FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsHard
A remote pilot wants to fly a small UAS for hire directly over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., within the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). What is required for this operation?
- ANo authorization is needed if the flight remains below 400 feet AGL
- BSpecific FAA authorization is required, and sUAS operations are generally prohibited in this area
- CStandard LAANC authorization through an approved app is sufficient
- DA visual observer must be posted at each corner of the flight area instead of obtaining authorization
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Specific FAA authorization is required, and sUAS operations are generally prohibited in this area
The Washington, D.C. Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), which includes prohibited area P-56 covering the National Mall and surrounding federal buildings, bars sUAS operations except with specific FAA and security-related authorization; standard LAANC authorization does not apply here.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Altitude does not exempt operations from the FRZ restriction.
- C. LAANC does not cover the D.C. FRZ/P-56 area; it requires special security authorization instead.
- D. Posting visual observers does not substitute for required government authorization.
Washington D.C. FRZ / P-56
A highly restricted airspace area around Washington, D.C. including prohibited area P-56, where sUAS operations are generally banned without specific FAA/TSA security authorization.
- Includes National Mall, White House, Capitol area
- Standard LAANC does not apply
- Requires special security-related authorization
- One of the most heavily enforced restricted zones in the US
Memory trick: D.C. = 'Don't fly, Complicated clearance needed'.