After mysterious flights, the FAA bans drones over Trump’s golf course in New Jersey

The Federal Aviation Administration has banned drone flights over the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster and the Picatinny Arsenal military base in Rockaway following reports of unexplained drone activity last month, the government said Monday.

The ban on the golf course was issued on November 22nd and lasts until December 6th, while the ban on the military base is in effect from November 25th to December 26th.

The FAA first received reports of drone activity in Morris County, where the base is located, on Nov. 18. While President-elect Donald J. Trump’s golf course is located in Somerset County, many drone sightings have been reported in nearby Mendham, Chester. and Morristown.

“We are reviewing all reports from unauthorized drone operations and investigate as appropriate,” the FAA said in a statement, noting that drone operators who endanger aircraft or pedestrians could be fined up to $75,000 and lose their pilot licenses.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed it was investigating the drone flights.

“We are working with several of our law enforcement partners to determine what is going on,” said Amy J. Thoreson, a spokeswoman for the office. “We cannot provide any details at this time.”

A golf course employee told me by phone that it would be closed on Monday and Tuesday. A message left with Trump’s office was not immediately returned.

Eric Kowal, a spokesman for Picatinny Arsenal, said it was illegal to fly drones over the arsenal without prior approval after reports of drone flights over the base.

“From our perspective, we are not alarming our residents and staff,” he said. “The FBI is the expert on the threat. We do not believe there is any danger at this time.”

The restrictions come amid reports of unauthorized drone flights over three US air bases in England.

Meanwhile, two weeks of unexplained nighttime drone sightings in North Jersey have unnerved residents who saw the drones hovering over their homes, sometimes for hours every day. Michael Walsh, who lives near the border of Chester, Mendham and Randolph, said he saw up to eight drones at a time.

Another Mendham resident described a drone he saw as being the size of a Cessna airplane.

“All anyone has to do is look at the size…you don’t buy that on Amazon or a hobby store,” said Christian Kalweit, a small business owner from Mendham. Asked if he believed they were military grade, he replied: “Absolutely. Given their size.”

Staff reporter AJ McDougall contributed reporting.