MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., residents are reminded that drones are prohibited from being flown on military installations. According to the Federal Aviation Administration drones are considered to be an aircraft and manning a drone in the nation’s airspace automatically makes it a part of the U.S. aviation system. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airmen Jenay Randolph and Danielle Quilla)

Rise of the drones

Published Dec. 9, 2015
By Senior Airmen Jenay Randolph and Danielle Quilla
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Are you thinking of buying a drone for the holidays? You may want to rethink this gift idea. As drones increase in popularity and decrease in price, it may be tempting to purchase a drone as a gift for the holiday season. While it may be fun to own a drone, drones are not allowed to operate on MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

Under law, drones are considered an aircraft and are prohibited from being flown on military installations because manning a drone in the nation's airspace automatically makes it a part of the U.S. aviation system.

In addition, the FAA released the following guidance when flying drones:
· Be aware of FAA airspace requirements
· Fly below 400 feet and within visual line of sight
· Never fly over groups of people, stadiums and sporting events
· Never fly within five miles of an airport without first contacting air traffic control and airport authorities
· Never fly near other aircraft or emergency response efforts such as fires
· Never fly under the influence

Lastly, the Florida Senate passed a bill, Bill 0766 Surveillance by a Drone, on July 1, 2015, that prohibits the use of a drone to capture an image of privately-owned property or any person with the intent to conduct surveillance without written consent.

Having a drone is not illegal, but residents should be aware of the rules governing drones before making a purchase. For more information, visit www.faa.gov/go/uastfr.