Drone Owners Beware: Shreveport’s Sky Just Got a New Sheriff

The remote control helicopter you remember having as a kid has grown up with you, and now people fly around with professional drones as a hobby, but a new state law might put a pause on your Shreveport flights. A new law allows police to use "legal and safe" methods to take drones out of the sky. Though most unmanned drone pilots don't need to worry about it, find out why.

What the New Louisiana Drone Law Means for Shreveport Pilots

A new law signed by Gov. Jeff Landry will allow officers to take down any unmanned drone that is not operating within rules and regulations. Officers are permitted to ground these illegally operating vehicles through "legal and safe methods, including but not limited to jamming, hacking, or physical capture." Owners of drones in Shreveport don't need to worry about having their drone taken down unless they are flying in a way that presents danger to the public.

Louisiana Takes the Lead: Local Control Over Drone Threats

Unmanned aircraft systems are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and up to this point, any drones that need to be taken out of the sky have to be handled by the FAA. This new law puts Louisiana ahead of other states. For the first time, state and local officers will have the ability to take action without waiting for the FAA.

Governor Landry is building state pride with the signing of this legislation. In a statement, he said, "We are taking bold steps now to protect our people and our skies before tragedy strikes."