Personal drones under new regulations

  • Published
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  With personal drone usage continuing to increase across the nation, the Federal Aviation Administration recently announced some new regulations.

As of Dec. 21, 2015, anyone who owns a small unmanned aircraft system of less than 55 pounds must register it with the FAA before flying it outdoors. Owners who have already flown their UAS must register theirs by Feb. 19.

For UAS weighing more than 55 pounds, they must register their system using the aircraft registry process.

Here at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., there currently is no requirement for operators to register with the base or notify the 55th Security Forces Squadron prior to operating a UAS. However, everyone should be aware the airspace above the installation is regulated by the FAA.

"Per FAA guidance, contact must be made with the airport and the air traffic control tower prior to operating any UAS within five miles of the airfield," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clinton Pattison, who is the NCO in-charge of the S2 Fusion Cell with the 55th SFS.

And if someone is found to be breaking those FAA regulations here on the installation, the 55th SFS will forward all required data to the FAA where the violator could face a variety of charges.

"These range from education to administrative actions -- in the form of a formal warning notice or letter of correction -- to the ability to assess civil penalties up to $27,500," Pattison said. "Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or or imprisonment for up to three years."

The 55th Wing is currently in the process of establishing a UAS working group to see if specific wing level policies need to be implemented due to the increase usage.

"Our main goal for the UAS working group is to ensure mission integrity of the 55th Wing," Pattison said. "At the same time, we do not want to infringe on people's legal rights. We are going to explore every option possible to help aid the wing commander in making the most informed decision on regulating the use of UAS within Offutt's jurisdiction."

In addition to the new registry plan, the FAA is also enforcing some general rules.

· Small UAS must give way to all manned aviation activities: airplanes, gliders, parachutists, hang gliders, the Goodyear blimp, etc. If it flies or glides, it has the right of way.

· The operator must remain within visual line of sight of the small UAS. You can't control or remain clear of other aircraft when you can't see your own small unmanned aircraft.

· Small UAS may not operate over any persons not directly involved in the operation.

For those who own personal drones and are looking for opportunities to fly them safely, there are multiple clubs in the metro Omaha area they could join. Locally, the Bellevue R/C Aero Modelers have a model aircraft airfield at Haworth Park.

For additional information on the new FAA regulations, please click here.