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New Drone Restrictions Are Here

Date: October 12, 2017 Category: Blog Tags: , , , , ,

Last week, the FAA announced and enforced new restrictions on drone usage, prohibiting flying unmanned aircraft systems within 400 feet of 10 popular U.S. landmarks and attractions.

The FAA and the U.S. Department of Interior agreed to restrict drone flights within the lateral boundaries of these sites:

  • Statue of Liberty National Monument, New York
  • Boston National Historical Park (S.S. Constitution), Boston
  • Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia
  • Folsom Dam, Folsom, California
  • Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Arizona
  • Grand Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee, Washington
  • Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Nevada
  • Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, St. Louis, Missouri
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota
  • Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, California

It’s important to note that there are a few exceptions to the restrictions. Drones used for law enforcement and public safety emergencies are to be coordinated with the FAA. The FAA cites that the new rules include “potential civil penalties and criminal charges,” and were implemented at “the request of U.S. national security and law enforcement agencies.” According to AOPA, drones are still a security and public safety concern for the FAA Drone Advisory Committee.

The FAA has imposed similar restrictions around U.S. military bases and National Parks, citing concerns about public safety. The FAA is also fielding additional requests for restrictions in other areas. If you’re curious about where you can and cannot fly a drone, the FAA has created an interactive map available online. You can also stay updated with the B4UFLY mobile app.

Hartzell Propeller