LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Unmanned Aircraft Systems are being detected in and around Laughlin Air Force Base and leadership wants to ensure everyone receives the latest regulation for operating these devices.
To ensure flying safety remains paramount in the airspace around Del Rio, Laughlin, and Laughlin Auxiliary Field, located near Spofford, Texas, Laughlin officials are asking all UAS, also called drones, operators to become knowledgeable and practice good general operating rules required to fly a UAS in the National Airspace System.
Prohibited Flight over Military Installations
All UAS flight operations, including public, civil, and model aircraft, are prohibited within the airspace over select national security sensitive facilities, including Laughlin and Laughlin Aux, surface to 400 feet above the ground in accordance with UAS Notice to Airmen Flight Designated Center policy, NOTAM FDC 7/7282. However, special permission may be requested by completing the form at waiver.
Visit http://uas-faa.opendata.arcgis.com for more information and to see an interactive map of all locations specified in the NOTAM.
Recreational Users – “Fly for fun”
The Federal Aviation Administration requires all recreational UAS operators to contact the airport operator and air traffic control tower prior to operating their UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds within five statute miles of an airport. Names for UASs may include, but are not limited to, model aircraft, drones, and quadcopters, etc.
Commercial Users – “Fly for work”
Commercial operators wanting to fly in Laughlin’s class D or E airspace should request a certificate of authorization from the FAA. That request will be evaluated by Laughlin’s airspace management office and should satisfy all requirements to contact Laughlin.
To request a waiver, visit https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver
If you have never flown an aircraft or UAS, or if it has been a while since you have flown, we encourage you to visit the FAA UAS website, “Getting Started,” at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started for the latest rules and insights governing UAS operations.
For more information about UAS activity near Laughlin or around Del Rio, contact the 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs at (830) 298-5262 or via email at 47FTWPA.Tasker@us.af.mil or Laughlin.Drone.UAS.Request@us.af.mil