Strict No Drone Zone in Effect During Cheyenne Frontier Days
July 17, 2026 - The FBI, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), Cheyenne Police Department (CPD), and Cheyenne Frontier Days want to remind everyone of the rules limiting drone use during the event coming up on July 17-26.
The footprint for Cheyenne Frontier Days is situated in a sensitive airspace area, bordered by a military base and an airport, which increases security and safety concerns. The park is in a part of the airport’s airspace where aircraft take off and land, making drone flights especially dangerous and strictly prohibited.
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) under FAA regulation 99.7, which is specifically for UAS (drones), has been established for the 10-day event. The FAA has officially restricted drone flights in this area within a radius of 2 nautical miles and an altitude of 400 feet for safety and security reasons.
Flying drones in restricted airspace is illegal and dangerous. You can review the applicable FAA flight restrictions during Cheyenne Frontier Days here: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_6_5841
Drone operators that are identified as being in violation of one or more federal regulations will be referred to the FAA for investigation. The FAA has recently strengthened its enforcement priorities, and any drone that poses a danger to the public, operates in restricted airspace, or is used in furtherance of a crime will trigger mandatory enforcement action. Unauthorized operators could face drone confiscation, revocation of pilot certificates and civil fines of up to $75,000 per violation. In addition, law enforcement agencies may pursue criminal penalties, including fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in federal prison.
Drone operators should check for active flight restrictions using an FAA-approved B4UFLY service provider. These free tools provide near real-time information on TFRs and restricted airspace. Most drones operating in U.S. airspace are required to broadcast Remote ID. Disabling or failing to comply with Remote ID requirements is a separate federal violation and can result in additional penalties. Authorities use multiple detection methods, whether or not Remote ID is broadcasting.
The FBI, FAMS, and FAA work with other partners to enforce TFRs using authorized counter-drone tools to detect and stop unauthorized drone activity under the SAFER SKIES Act. Personnel are in place at event venues with trained state and local partners like the Cheyenne Police Department.
Drone safety is everyone’s business. If you are at an event and observe unauthorized or unsafe drone activity, report it immediately to 911, on-site law enforcement, or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
Our priority is the safety and security of every participant, employee and fan. Drone operators who follow the rules can help us meet that goal and make for a safe and enjoyable Cheyenne Frontier Days.
FBI Denver
Public Affairs Specialist Vikki Migoya
FBIDN_PublicAffairs@fbi.gov
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
