While the FAA is still establishing rules to govern unmanned aircraft systems, the agency continues to deliver materials to educate members of the public about what they can and cannot do with their drones. Most recently, the FAA has launched a campaign to make the public aware of a No Drone Zone in the area around Washington, D.C.
“Federal rules prohibit any aircraft from operating in the Flight Restricted Zone around our nation’s capital without specific approval,” said U.S. transportation secretary Anthony Foxx. “That includes all unmanned aircraft.”
The No Drone Zone covers the area within a 15-mile radius from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Like aircraft that violate the national defense airspace, drone operators who fly in the No Drone Zone are likely to face stiff fines and possibly other criminal penalties.
In order to spread the word of the No Drone Zone, the FAA has teamed up with local government agencies and other partners to distribute the materials to residents and tourists. There is also an iOS app in the making called B4UFLY, which is designed to educate drone operators about any restrictions or requirements in the area of intended flight. The app is expected to be available by the year end.
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