One of the nation’s largest railroad unions is calling for drones to be grounded at rail yards and along main lines, something that could have a major impact on railroad photographers who have recently taken to the sky to capture photos.
On October 6, the National Safety and Legislative Department of SMART-TD sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration, “demanding a full prohibition on the use of drones by railroad managers, or anyone else, in active rail yards and along main lines where trains are moving.” The filing comes as an increasing number of railroads are using drones to inspect infrastructure, but also stealthily keep an eye on crews.
“Our rail yards are not laboratories or surveillance zones. They’re our offices,” said Jared Cassity, SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director. “When a drone flies overhead, it’s not just a nuisance; it’s a distraction in one of the most dangerous work environments in America. And make no mistake: if something goes wrong, it won’t be the manager behind the joystick who gets hurt. It’ll be one of our members. There is nothing cute, cool, or futuristic about any of that.”
Cassity further stated that the union also believed drones flying around railroad property pose a threat to national security, since the railroad could be considered a target by “bad actors.”
It’s unclear whether the FAA will act on the union’s request, and it’s also uncertain how feasible it is to ban drones near rail lines. Most commercially available drones require FAA approval to operate in restricted areas near airports, so the system could potentially be expanded to include rail lines. However, given the extensive size of the rail network, expanding such a system would be a monumental task. There’s also the question of how far from the right-of-way these restrictions would apply.
Drones have become a popular tool for railroad enthusiasts over the past decade, and banning them at rail yards and along main lines would likely significantly affect that part of the hobby.
—Justin Franz
