FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsHard
A commercial operator plans a photography flight over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., within the DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA). Under current FAA policy, what applies to Part 107 sUAS operations within this airspace?
- AStandard LAANC authorization is sufficient, the same as any Class B airspace
- BAuthorization is only required if the flight will last longer than 30 minutes
- CFlights below 400 feet AGL are automatically exempt from any restriction
- DsUAS operations are prohibited within this airspace without specific, case-by-case authorization from the FAA/TSA
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. sUAS operations are prohibited within this airspace without specific, case-by-case authorization from the FAA/TSA
The Washington, D.C. SFRA (including the inner Flight Restricted Zone) imposes severe restrictions on all aircraft, including sUAS. Part 107 operations are generally prohibited within this area unless the operator obtains specific authorization through a rigorous case-by-case FAA/TSA security review process; LAANC does not apply here.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. LAANC is not available for the DC SFRA/FRZ due to heightened security restrictions.
- B. Flight duration is not a factor in DC SFRA authorization requirements.
- C. Altitude alone does not exempt flights from DC SFRA restrictions.
DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)
A highly restricted airspace surrounding Washington, D.C. where sUAS operations are generally prohibited without specific security-based authorization from the FAA and TSA.
- Includes an inner Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) with even tighter rules
- LAANC does not apply within this airspace
- Violations can result in severe civil and criminal penalties
Memory trick: 'DC = Definitely Closed' to casual drone flights