FAA Orders No-Fly Zone Above Ferguson, Mo., Area

"We have helicopters working in the area," St. Louis County Police communications center official says of the reason for the order.

WASHINGTON — Amid ongoing unrest in Ferguson, Mo., following the police killing of an unarmed teen, Michael Brown, the Federal Aviation Administration announced a no-fly zone over the area "to provide a safe environment for law enforcement activities."

According to the FAA notice, the restriction applies to airspace of 3,000 feet over Ferguson to "provide a safe environment for law enforcement activities."

The order lasts from Tuesday through Aug. 18. Commercial flights to and from St. Louis Lambert Airport, which fly at a higher altitude, are exempt, the FAA said.

The notice stated that St. Louis County Police Department is "in charge of the operation."

Law enforcement officials in Ferguson asked for the ban to keep low-flying aircraft that can interfere with police operations, spokesman Tony Molinero said.

"It's not an unusual request by law enforcement agencies, especially when they're trying to get any of their aircraft in and out of an area," he said.

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