FAA Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What UAS flight restrictions have been put into place?

These flight restrictions are established within the lateral boundaries of sensitive facilities, and extend from ground to 400 feet above ground level (AGL) over the facilities. These restrictions apply to all UAS operations, including but not limited to:

  • Public aircraft operations conducted in accordance with a Certificate of Authorization or Waiver (COA)
  • Civil aircraft operations (other than model aircraft), including those conducted in accordance with a COA or in accordance with the FAA's small UAS rule, Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107.
  • Model aircraft operations conducted for hobby or recreation in accordance with the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (P.L. 112-95, Section 336) / 14 CFR part 101, Subpart E.

UAS operators must comply with these flight restrictions, as outlined in UAS NOTAM FDC 7/7137.

What are the basic UAS flight restrictions?

The FAA, under 14 CFR § 99.7 — Special Security Instructions (SSI), has prohibited all UAS flight operations within the airspace defined under UAS NOTAM FDC 7/7137. Specific locations are depicted on an online interactive map. The restrictions extend from the ground up to 400 feet AGL, apply to all types and purposes of UAS flight operations, and remain in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What happens if I fly in one of these restricted areas?

The FAA classifies the airspace encompassed by these temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) as "national defense airspace" in accordance with Title 49 of the United States Code (Title 49 U.S.C.) § 40103(b)(3). Violations of these TFRs may prompt the following enforcement actions:

  • The U.S. Government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under Title 49 U.S.C. § 46307.
  • The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and revoking FAA certificates and authorizations to operate UAS under Title 49 U.S.C. §§ 44709 and 46301.

Are there exceptions for UAS operations to fly in one of these restricted areas?

UAS operations that meet one or more of the requirements listed below may be allowed to operate within the TFR:

  • The UAS flight operation has been pre-approved by the designated facility contact based on criteria established by the sponsoring federal agency in coordination with the FAA.
  • The UAS flight operation is conducted in direct support of an active national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, or disaster response mission, and prior notification has been provided to the designated facility contact.
  • The UAS flight operation is conducted in direct support of a significant and urgent governmental interest and is approved by the FAA's System Operations Support Center (SOSC) in advance of entering the TFR.

UAS operators seeking approval to operate in one of the TFRs defined in this website must contact the facility's designated point of contact identified in the table or interactive map, and secure permission to operate within the airspace prior to entry.

In addition to pre-approval from the facility or sponsoring agency, the operation must fulfill all FAA requirements for UAS operations. For example, recreational operators must comply with either 14 CFR Part 101 or part 107; all other UAS operators must comply with 14 CFR part 107, a Section 333 exemption and Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), or a public aircraft COA.

Depending on the nature of the proposed operation and class of airspace, a waiver or airspace authorization may be needed from the FAA before flight. For more information, visit the FAA's UAS website.

Non-emergency requests for UAS airspace authorizations and waivers must be submitted using regular processes depending on the operation (part 107 authorizations, Section 333 site-specific COAs, or public COAs).

For urgent and time sensitive requests, contact the FAA's SOSC at (202) 267-8276 for expedited assistance. The FAA's SOSC will coordinate with the facility and/or sponsoring federal agency as appropriate.

Additional questions

If you have any general questions regarding UAS operations, please visit the FAA UAS website or contact the FAA by email at uashelp@faa.gov or by phone at (844) FLY-MY-UA.

If you have any additional questions regarding the TFRs defined by UAS NOTAM FDC 7/7137 and this website, please contact the FAA SOSC at (202) 267-8276.

Disclaimer

The restrictions depicted on this site reflect temporary flight restrictions issued for security sensitive U.S. federal facilities. There may be additional temporary flight restrictions that prohibit UAS and manned flight in effect in your area. See Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) for additional information on flight restrictions that may be in effect in your area before operating your UAS.

Original content for this page gathered from: https://www.faa.gov/uas/where_to_fly/airspace_restrictions/faq/