HCSO Air Operations

05/27/2026

The office after dark.

05/26/2026

🚫 NO DRONES. NO EXCEPTIONS. 🚫

FIFA is coming, and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will be in effect around event venues. If you launch a drone where it is prohibited, you could face FAA fines and enforcement action.

Whether you fly under Part 107 or recreationally with TRUST, every drone pilot is responsible for knowing where they can and cannot fly. Check airspace restrictions before every flight.

“I didn’t know” will not be an excuse.

⚽ Know before you launch.

05/22/2026

⚽ FIFA is coming to Houston. Know before you fly. ⚽

Major events bring increased airspace restrictions, and drone pilots should expect Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and other no-fly zones surrounding FIFA events and venues. These restrictions are not suggestions. They are federally enforced airspace rules designed to protect public safety, emergency operations, and aircraft operating in the area.

Recently, multiple drone pilots were identified and fined for flying in restricted airspace during a major sporting event. Flying a drone in restricted airspace can result in substantial FAA civil penalties, certificate action, drone confiscation in certain circumstances, and potential criminal charges depending on the violation and circumstances involved.

As our region prepares for FIFA and other major events, plan ahead before every flight. Check for airspace restrictions, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and authorized operating areas before launching.

Know before you launch. The cost of not checking could be far more than your drone.

Drone pilots: You must check airspace restrictions before you fly. FAA’s DETER program partnered with Miami law enforcement to fine 4 drone pilots for flying over the F1 Miami Grand Prix, a designated no drone zone. No drone zones will be established over FIFA World Cup venues across the U.S. Anyone flying a drone is responsible for complying with FAA regulations. Know the rules of the sky: https://faa.gov/uas/getting_started/where_can_i_fly

05/13/2026

Teamwork from above helped bring a safe ending to a stressful situation on Spring Creek today.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations Section assisted the Harris County Constables Precinct 4 with locating and rescuing lost kayakers after they became disoriented along the creek.

Using aerial support from ABLE 4, our crew was able to quickly spot the kayakers from the air and coordinate directly with Precinct 4 deputies on the ground to safely guide rescuers to their location. Thanks to the teamwork between agencies, the kayakers were safely retrieved without injury.

Incidents like this are a great reminder of how quickly conditions can change on the water, especially near dusk or in unfamiliar areas. Always let someone know your location before heading out and carry a charged phone or emergency signaling device when possible.

Great work by everyone involved to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.

05/12/2026

Today, the HCSO Air Operations had the opportunity to teach an Air Operations block to Sergeants preparing to head out to patrol districts across Harris County.

The class covered the capabilities and limitations of our aviation and UAS units, how patrol and air assets work together, and ways supervisors can effectively utilize Air Operations during critical incidents, searches, pursuits, and tactical situations.

Strong communication and teamwork between ground units and aviation assets play a major role in keeping both deputies and the community safe. We appreciate the opportunity to share knowledge and help prepare the next generation of supervisors.

Congratulations to all Sergeants, and we wish you success in your new assignments. 🚁🚓

05/06/2026

Today, our drone operators had the opportunity to train alongside HCSO SWAT, Bomb & CNT during a joint tactical exercise focused on teamwork, communication, and real world deployment scenarios.

We appreciate the continued partnership and professionalism from everyone involved.

05/01/2026

Huge thank you to Texas Flight for hosting a great event and bringing the aviation community together.

We also want to give a big shoutout to Black Rifle Coffee Company for the generous donation of coffee and mugs. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed and was appreciated by everyone out there.

Events like this are what make partnerships between aviation, law enforcement, and the community so important. We’re grateful to be a part of it.

03/17/2026

🚁 Who knows… one of these students might be flying overhead one day.

Today students from Channelview High School’s Dual Credit Criminal Justice Program stopped by during their tour of the academy to check out ABLE 5, our Bell OH-58A Kiowa helicopter.

They got an up-close look at how the Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations Section supports deputies on the ground during pursuits, searches for missing persons, and major incidents across Harris County.

It’s always great meeting students who are already interested in careers in criminal justice. We hope today gave them a glimpse of the many opportunities in law enforcement.

Good luck to these future professionals. We’ll be watching for you.

03/17/2026

Future deputies getting a closer look at the eyes in the sky. 🚁

Today the BPOC cadets spent time with our Air Operations Section learning how aviation supports deputies on the ground. From tracking fleeing suspects and coordinating pursuits to searching for missing persons, our aircraft play a critical role in keeping Harris County safe.

The cadets had the chance to see ABLE 5, our Bell OH-58A Kiowa, up close and learn how our Tactical Flight Officers and pilots work together with patrol units during real operations.

Good luck to this class as they continue their training. We look forward to seeing some of you out on patrol soon.

🚁 Harris County Sheriff's Office Air Operations

03/17/2026

Earlier this evening, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Air Operations assisted the Houston Police Department with monitoring the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place around NRG Park.

A TFR is federally restricted airspace. Unauthorized drone operations inside a TFR are prohibited and can result in enforcement action and federal penalties.

Our crews worked alongside HPD to maintain aerial oversight of the restricted airspace and ensure the safety of everyone attending tonight’s event.

Notice: There will be a routine Temporary Flight Restriction (drone operations) within a 1-mile radius of NRG Park from 5-11 p.m. today (March 16) & March 18.

Unauthorized drone operations in the restricted airspace are prohibited. Violators may be subject to enforcement action.