New FAA Security Advisory Tightens UAS Restrictions Near Sensitive Assets
- 19 hours ago
- 1 min read
The FAA has issued NOTAM FDC 6/4375, replacing FDC 5/6378, to reinforce national security protections around critical federal facilities and mobile assets. This directive establishes strict stand-off distances for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating near Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and United States Coast Guard (USCG) assets—including vessels, convoys, and their escorts.
Under 14 CFR §99.7, all UAS are prohibited from flying within 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet above these protected entities unless specifically authorized by the FAA. The designated airspace is classified as National Defense Airspace under 49 U.S.C. §40103(b)(3), and violations may trigger serious consequences.
Enforcement Actions Include:
Criminal charges under federal law
Civil penalties and certificate revocation by the FAA
Mitigation measures such as interception, seizure, or destruction of aircraft deemed a credible threat under authorities including 10 U.S.C. §130i, 6 U.S.C. §124n, and 50 U.S.C. §2661
Operational Exceptions
UAS missions supporting national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, or disaster response may be permitted—but must coordinate in advance with the appropriate federal entity or contact the FAA System Operations Support Center (SOSC) at (202) 267‑8276.
Coordination Resources
Facility-specific contacts: FAA UAS Data Site
General UAS inquiries: faa.gov/uas/contact, uashelp@faa.gov, or (844) FLY‑MY‑UA
Bottom Line
While not all protected assets are covered by active NOTAMs or advanced airspace measures, UAS operators should exercise heightened caution near any DoD, DHS, DOJ, DOE, or USCG facilities and mobile assets. This advisory underscores the evolving intersection of unmanned aviation and national security—and the need for proactive coordination.