There are consequences for flying over Disneyland, Disney California Adventure or Walt Disney World.
The theme parks have the same protection as the White House, the Kennedy Space Center, and live sporting events when it comes to restricted airspace.
As the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District learned earlier this month, anyone planning to fly over the theme parks needs a special waiver approved by the Federal Aviation Agency and the Transportation Security Administration.
The Control District canceled plans to spray a pesticide to kill West Nile-carrying mosquitoes in eight Orange County cities because the company it hired for the job lagged in getting a permit in time for the scheduled flight over Disneyland. It takes up to five business days to get an approval, the FAA says.
“TSA will vet the pilots and passengers and then send the waiver request to the FAA for further review and final determination,” said Ian Gregor, a spokesman at the FAA.
The Anaheim parks and Walt Disney World received flight-restriction status after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The 2003 bill also prohibits aircraft from flying over live sporting events in stadiums that have a seating capacity of 30,000 or more.
The ban includes any unmanned remote-controlled devices such as drones. Nothing can fly below 3,000 feet and within three miles of Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Those are the only theme parks in the United States to have no-fly zone designations.
“We believe airspace restrictions enhance public safety in places where large groups gather, including theme parks and sports stadiums," said Suzi Brown, a Disneyland spokeswoman.
There are exceptions.
Law enforcement, medical, and military aircraft are exempt from the restriction as long as they are in contact with air traffic control.
Consequences for flying low over the theme park includes a potential $10,000 fine, and/or the pilot, passengers, or operator being detained by law enforcement officials.
Although the no-fly zones exist for safety’s sake, they are another layer that keeps reality outside Disney’s borders, helping the guests focus on fantasy.
Walt Disney himself had a 20-foot-foot-high berm built around Disneyland to protect its guests from views of the outside world.
Source: http://www.ocregister.com
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