If you were hoping to snag dramatic drone footage of Cheyenne Frontier Days this year, you are out of luck. Federal and local officials warned attendees on Friday that the skies above the 10-day event are a strict no-drone zone, with officers ready to enforce that message on the ground.
The briefing, led by an FBI assistant special agent in charge and Cheyenne Police Chief Francisco, outlined how law enforcement will actively enforce flight restrictions throughout the festival. Organizers stressed that the rules are there to protect crowds, performers, and the aircraft that operate nearby.
Flight restriction details
According to a post from FBI Denver, the FAA has established a temporary flight restriction under 14 C.F.R. 99.7 that covers roughly a 2-nautical-mile area and limits flights to 400 feet. Officials noted that the event footprint sits in sensitive airspace near a military base and an airport, and they urged people to report unauthorized or unsafe drone activity to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Enforcement and penalties
Federal, state and local partners, from the FAA and the FBI to Cheyenne police and Frontier Days security, are among the agencies involved in enforcing the restrictions and handling security at the event.
Legal consequences and recent prosecutions
Prosecutors have already gone after similar violations. A federal criminal complaint was filed after a drone was flown near Levi's Stadium during an NFL game, showing that incursions into restricted event airspace can lead to arrests and criminal charges, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office (N.D. Cal.). Industry and legal analysis also warn that failing to comply with Remote ID rules or attempting to disable a drone can bring separate federal violations, as noted by LegalClarity.
How to comply and how to report
Before flying near Cheyenne, operators are advised to check active restrictions with an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider or the FAA's TFR map. The FAA No Drone Zone toolkit also guides events.
Anyone who sees an unauthorized or unsafe drone over the festival should record details if it is safe to do so and report it to the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or via tips.fbi.gov.
Cheyenne Frontier Days organizers and public-safety partners say the restrictions will be visibly enforced throughout the 10 days, and visitors should expect signage and officers reminding people to keep drones on the ground. When in doubt, pilots and spectators are urged to err on the side of caution and treat the restricted airspace as off-limits until the TFR is lifted.
