The Department of Defense (Do) has asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for new restrictions on drones over some national security sensitive locations, due to the potential threat posed by malicious drone operations.

In response, 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 Monterey, Monterey, CA (new)
• Naval Air Station Kingsville, Kingsville, TX (new)
• Naval Support Activity Orlando, Orlando, FL (new)
• Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Indian Head, MD (boundary change)

Operators who violate the airspace restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.

These changes, which have been highlighted by FAA NOTAM FDC 8/9176, are pending until they become effective on June 1.

The FAA already has a number of currently covered locations (which can be found on the FAA website).

The website provides an interactive map, downloadable geospatial data, and other important information. A link to these restrictions is also included in the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app. Additional information, including frequently asked questions, is available on the FAA’s UAS website.

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.

The FAA is continuing to consider additional requests by federal agencies for UAS-specific airspace restrictions using the FAA’s § 99.7 authority.