FAA modifies restrictions on drone operations over DoD facilities

At the request of the Department of Defense (D0D), and federal security and law enforcement agencies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address the potential threat posed by malicious drone operations by establishing Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) specific airspace restrictions over select national security-sensitive locations.

In response to recent requests by federal agencies, the FAA is establishing new or modifying existing restrictions on drone flights up to 400 feet within the lateral boundaries of four sites. FAA Photo

Information on the FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which defines these restrictions, and all of the currently covered locations, can be found on its website. This linked FAA website provides an interactive map, downloadable geospatial data, and other important information.

A link to these restrictions is also included in the FAA’s B4UFLYmobile app. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the FAA’s UAS website.

In response to recent requests by federal agencies, the FAA is establishing new or modifying existing restrictions on drone flights up to 400 feet within the lateral boundaries of the following four sites:

Naval Support Activity Monterey, Monterey, California (new)
Naval Air Station Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas (new)
Naval Support Activity Orlando, Orlando, Florida (new)
Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Indian Head, Maryland (boundary change)

These changes, which have been highlighted by FAA NOTAM FDC 8/9176, are pending until they become effective on June 1.

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 airspace restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.

The FAA is continuing to consider additional requests by federal agencies for UAS-specific airspace restrictions using the FAA’s § 99.7 authority as they are received.