What Are The No-Fly Zones For Drones?

Look in the sky: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s … a drone?

Drones, also known as small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), are the newest fun flying machines. But you can’t fly a recreational drone just anywhere. So where are the no-fly zones in the airspace? Read on to find out.

No-fly zones

1. Someone else’s private property – One off-limits flying space is in the air above a house or privately held business building.
2. Military bases – Flying your drone over a military zone is a sure way to attract the wrong attention and legal problems.
3. Airports – Anyplace where there are manned aircraft, including airports must be avoided.
4. Roadways – Stay away from any area where vehicles are driving, including residential streets, freeways and highways.
5. Out of your sight – You may not fly your drone anywhere you can no longer see the drone.
6. Over 400 feet above ground – No matter how high your drone can fly, legally, it must remain below 400 feet off the ground.
7. Large venues – Football stadiums or other sports venues are off limits for your drone.
8. Crowds of people – Drones may not be flown over any gathering of people.
9. Emergency situation locations – You need to keep your drone away from anyplace where the fire department, police, EMTs or other first responders may be working to resolve an emergency situation.
10. Inclement weather – You need to be cautious of weather conditions. Does it seem too windy for a safe, controllable flight? Better pick a different day.

These are just a few no-fly zones to note. For further questions about where to take flight, follow-up with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Where have you flown your drone?