Advanced Search

Think you are getting a drone for Christmas? Be aware of FAA regulations in Manassas, No. Va.

Other than Star Wars toys, drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), are some of the hottest buys for Christmas 2015.  Please remember the rules before you fly a drone or UAS in the City of Manassas. The FAA now requires Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drones to be registered.  Visit http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/ to register.

The Manassas Regional Airport is in the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA).  This means that within five nautical miles of the airport, you will need a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly a drone or model airplane in this airspace.

The Washington flight restricted zone consists of two restricted airspaces: the SFRA and the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ).  The FAA designates these areas as National Defense Airspace.  Much of Northern Virginia is in this airspace, so please be sure to check the rules before purchasing or operating a model airplane or a drone.

If you are operating a model aircraft or drone outside the Manassas Regional Airport airspace the FRZ and the SFRA, the FAA has the following guidelines:

?      Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
?      Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
?      Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
?      Don’t fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
?      Don’t fly near people or stadiums
?      Don’t fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs.
?      Don’t be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft – you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft

For more information, visit http://www.manassascity.org/drone.

***end***

Note:  For more information on UAS and drones – http://www.faa.gov/uas/regulations_policies/media/UAS_Fact_Sheet_Final.pdf

Link to This Article

Copy and paste the code below on your site to link to the article.

<a href="http://www.bullrunnow.com/news/article/think_you_are_getting_a_drone_for_christmas_be_aware_of_faa_regulations_in">Think you are getting a drone for Christmas? Be aware of FAA regulations in Manassas, No. Va.</a>

Follow Us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/#!/bullrunnow
Welcome Guest! | Login