At the request of the Department of Defence, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have announced new drone restriction measures. The measures are being put in place to address the potential threat that is posed by malicious drone operations. Their intention is to establish drone specific airspace restrictions over select, national security sensitive locations.
What’s changing?
The FAA posted a statement on their website on Friday (18 May), they said: “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 (NSA) Monterey, Monterey, CA (new)
- Naval Air Station Kingsville, Kingsville, TX (new)
- NSA Orlando, Orlando, FL (new)
- NSA South Potomac, Indian Head, MD (boundary change)
These changes, which have been highlighted by FAA NOTAM FDC 8/9176, are pending until they become effective on June 1.
The FAA have stated it’s important to note that there are only a few exceptions that permit drone flights within these restrictions. They must be coordinated with the individual facility and/or the FAA.
Operators who violate the airspace restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, as well as including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.
The FAA will announce additional changes as appropriate.
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