FAA Establishes Drone Restrictions over DOJ and DOD Facilities

By John R Harris Reprinted from Patch.com

Additional restrictions on drone flights within 400 feet of certain Federal facilities in Southern California

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently released the following notice:

“At the request of its federal security partners, the FAA is using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address concerns about drone operations over national security sensitive facilities by establishing temporary unmanned aircraft system (UAS) specific flight restrictions.

Information on the FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which defines these restrictions, and all of the currently covered locations, can be found at the UAS Data Display System, which provides an interactive map, downloadable geospatial data, and other important details. A link to these restrictions is also included in the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app.

(Further information re the app can be found on the FAA’s website at : https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/b4ufly/ )

Additional, broader information regarding flying drones in the National Airspace System, including frequently asked questions, is available on the FAA’s UAS website.Subscribe

In cooperation with Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Defense (DOD), the FAA is also establishing additional restrictions on drone flights up to 400 feet within the lateral boundaries of the following Federal facilities :

Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc in Lompoc, CA

Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA

Metropolitan Correctional Center San Diego in San Diego, CA

Federal Correctional Institution Victorville Medium I in Victorville, CA

Federal Correctional Institution Victorville Medium II in Victorville, CA

(For a full list of all facilities listed in this notice, including those located outside California, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=93048 )

These changes, which have been highlighted by FAA NOTAM FDC [9/2586], became effective February 26. 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.

The FAA is continuing to consider additional requests by eligible federal security agencies for UAS specific flight restrictions using the Agency’s § 99.7 authority as they are received. Additional changes to these restrictions will be announced by the FAA as appropriate.”