Flight restricted zones are areas which require special application and permission to fly beyond what is commonly available to the general drone pilot. Due to the secure nature of the airspace, Flight Restricted Zones often require the hiring of extra crew and personnel-including law enforcement officers-during the flight missions. We have current experience navigating the complicated process of obtaining permissions and flying these highly-controlled and restricted areas including downtown Washington, DC and nearby suburbs.  Our experience as manned aircraft pilots allows us to communicate effectively with aviation officials and TSA personnel to efficiently gain access to difficult areas such as these.

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Flight Restricted Zones Include:

• Any area within 15 nautical miles from Regan National Airport

• Designated Critical Infrastructure (such as bridges, dams and power plants)

• Military Operating Areas

• Prohibited Airspace noted as “P-xxx” on aviation charts

• Sporting Events

• National Parks

 

Controlled Airspace

Like Flight Restricted Zones (or “FRZs”), Controlled Airspace requires FAA authorization prior to flight in the airspace.  While this type of access is usually easier to acquire than flight in FRZs, In some areas-including the DC-Baltimore Corridor-permission can take weeks to obtain.  At Mid-Atlantic Drones, We hold current and active Airspace-Wide (“blanket”) permissions for Dulles, BWI, Easton, Salisbury, Frederick and Martin State in Baltimore.  This means we can fly here anytime without having to seek further permissions. (Airspace-wide approvals are subject to specific drone altitude restrictions that vary as you get closer to the airport.  For specific limitations and altitude restrictions, contact us for a review of your specific site and its location.)