Published: June 11, 2019
The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), usually referred to as drones, in our nation's airspace is rapidly increasing, raising both opportunities and challenges for public safety and government officials.
On October 5, 2018, President Trump signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
The Act establishes new conditions for recreational use of drones and immediately repeals the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is evaluating the impacts of this change in the law and how implementation will proceed. In the interim, the FAA is asking the public to please continue to follow all current policies and guidance with respect to recreational use of drones.
H.R. 302 (ENR) - FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
PDF
Details
Visit the FAA website to stay abreast of current and upcoming laws, as well as view safety tips to help you fly safely in the National Airspace System.
Related Publications
DCPD-201800666 - Statement on Signing the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018
PDF
Details
14 CFR 107 - SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
CFR Title 14 Part 107 is the main set of rules for flying small drones (less than 55 lbs.) in the United States
PDF
Details
(Final Rules published in the Federal Register since the most recent published edition of 14 CFR 107)
83 FR 9162 - Aviation Safety Organization Changes, Final Rule effective March 5, 2018
PDF
Details
83 FR 31450 - Aviation Safety Organization Changes; Correction, Final Rule Correction effective July 6, 2018
PDF
Details
43 CFR § 9212.1 - Prohibited acts
Flying a Drone Near a Wildfire is Breaking the Law. Per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 43 CFR 9212.1(f), it is illegal to resist or interfere with the efforts of firefighter(s) to extinguish a fire.
PDF
Details
Search govinfo for Congressional hearings related to UAS.
Additional Resources
- Read National Park Service stories of how UAS have provided aerial imagery for research and monitoring.
Check out “Snapshots” on Homeland Security’s technology news site including, “Testing and Training with Drones” to see how DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is preparing to integrate drones in DHS’ and other federal agencies’ missions by providing accessible demonstration sites for land and maritime-based operations, and “Working with NASA to Secure Drone Traffic” to see how NASA, the FAA and industry have partnered to manage national airspace in the future.
- The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), made up of eight agencies and organizations, is the nation’s support center for wildland firefighting. Read their webpage “Drones and Wildfires” to learn how drones can interfere with firefighting aircraft that are necessary to suppress wildland fires.