The AP is reporting the use of drones to shoot the Winter X-Games in Aspen has been approved .

If you’ve watched any ski movies from the last few years, this seems like a given. But their legality is always in question, and airspace is heavily regulated. Approval of drone use at a major sporting event is a big step.

“It’s always been an event that has, in many aspects, been a working laboratory for technical innovation,” said Rich Feinberg, vice president of production for ESPN Inc. “It’s kind of like the sports here. They’re all about progression and we want the coverage to progress as well.”

“It’s kind of like the sports here. They’re all about progression and we want the coverage to progress as well.”

Though these creepy little machines will be buzzing around the athletes, it’s not a complete free-for-all. They must still fly as if it’s a “closed-set environment.” Meaning, they can not cruise anywhere near spectators, lifts, or the Aspen Airport.

“Any piece of technology we feel brings viewers closer to the event, we’re interested in,” said Chris Calcinari to the AP, who spearheaded the approvals process for ESPN. “I don’t think there are many events that would actually allow us to fly a drone. This is a big opportunity.”