Flying a Drone Isn’t Always as Simple as It Looks
Some locations are wide open and easy to fly in. Others, especially near airports, stadiums, or government buildings, are strictly controlled by the FAA. That’s why drone flights in certain areas take more time to schedule—or sometimes aren’t allowed at all.
Three Types of Airspace You Should Know About
1. Unrestricted Areas (Class G Airspace)
These are open, low-risk locations away from airports and air traffic. No FAA approval is needed. Flights can be done quickly and easily.
2. Controlled Areas With App-Based Approval (LAANC Zones)
Some areas fall under controlled airspace, usually near smaller airports. Many of these allow fast FAA approval using a digital app (LAANC). If the request follows the rules, authorization can happen in just minutes.
3. Highly Restricted Areas (Near Major Airports or Sensitive Locations)
Places near big airports or secure facilities need formal FAA airspace authorization. These requests go through a manual review process and often take days or even weeks. There’s no way for a pilot to speed things up—approval is fully in the FAA’s hands.
Event and Stadium Restrictions
There are also Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that block drone flights near major sports events, concerts, or during VIP travel. These are strict, time-based restrictions that cover large areas and are enforced for public safety.
What Happens If a Pilot Flies Without Approval?
Flying in restricted airspace without authorization is a serious federal offense. Penalties may include:
Fines up to $27,500
Criminal charges up to $250,000 and/or jail time
Loss of drone license
Insurance denial
Even a small drone can cause big problems near manned aircraft. That’s why licensed pilots are required to follow FAA rules every time.
Why This Matters for Clients
A professional drone pilot knows how to safely navigate airspace rules. In some areas, the process is quick. In others, flying may take extra planning or might not be possible at all. That’s not a delay—it’s compliance with federal law.
