Additional UAS flight restrictions established over DoD facilities, FAA officials say

News

August 17, 2018

Mariana Iriarte

Technology Editor

Military Embedded Systems

Additional UAS flight restrictions established over DoD facilities, FAA officials say — Image by FAA

WASHINGTON. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) officials are establishing additional restrictions on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) - also known as drones - flights up to 400 feet within the lateral boundaries of the following Federal facilities:

The restrictions comes at the request of its Federal security partners and the FAA is using its its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address concerns about drone operations over national security-sensitive facilities by establishing temporary flight restrictions specific to UAS.

These changes, which are highlighted by FAA NOTAM FDC 8/7350, are pending until they become effective on August 30, 2018. Note that there are only a few exceptions that permit drone flights within these restrictions, and they must be coordinated with the individual facility and/or the FAA.

Operators who violate the flight restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges. Additional, broader information regarding flying drones in the National Airspace System, including frequently asked questions, is available on the FAA’s UAS website.