WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press identified surveillance flights conducted by the FBI in these cities during 30 days beginning in late April, by comparing a list of more than 50 aircraft it traced to FBI ownership and commercial flight records from FlightRadar24.com.
o Arizona: Glendale, Maricopa, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe.
o California: Anaheim, Rancho Cordova, Richmond, Sacramento, San Diego, Spring Valley.
o Florida: Cape Coral.
o Illinois: Chicago.
o Maryland: Baltimore, Columbia.
o Massachusetts: Boston, Brockton.
o Minnesota: Minneapolis.
o Rhode Island: Providence.
o Texas: Arlington, Dallas, Houston, Plano.
o Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Garrisonville, Springfield.
o Washington: Seattle, Tacoma.
o Washington, D.C.
View the registration for one FBI plane.
WASHINGTON — The FBI is operating a small air force with scores of low-flying planes across the country using video and sometimes cellphone surveillance technology — all hidden behind fictitious companies that are fronts for the government, The Associated Press has learned.
The surveillance equipment is generally used without a judge’s approval, and the FBI says the flights are used for specific investigations. The agency says it uses front companies to protect the safety of the pilots and aircraft, shielding their identities from would-be suspects on the ground.