Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 181
Frequency identification to create a geographic boundary that location‐
aware devices know to avoid. However, few manufacturers have
incorporated this technology into their drones as it is not required.
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 established rules for the
recreational use of model aircraft, which includes civilian use of UASs.
Under these rules, civilian UASs are limited to 55 pounds and must be
operated to ensure they do not interfere with any manned aircraft. It also
established that if the UAS is flown within five miles of an airport, the
operator must notify the airport operator and the air traffic control tower.
The operator must also maintain visual line‐of‐sight with the UAS.
The FAA finalized the operational rules for use of commercial drones in
June 2016. The new rule, Federal Aviation Regulations Part 107, provides
operating requirements, including maintaining a view of the drone and
getting approval before operating in Class B, C, D, and E airspace from the
air traffic control tower. It sets a weight limit of 55 pounds, speed limit of
100 miles per hour, and height limit of 400 feet.
Source: www.techtimes.com
In December 2015, the FAA established a UAS registry, requiring anyone
who owns a small unmanned aircraft more than 0.55 pounds to register it
before flying it outdoors. People who do not register could face civil and
criminal penalties. The maximum civil penalty is a fine of up to $27,500, with
criminal penalties reaching $250,000 or three years in prison. However, the
FAA lacks the resources to enforce the rule, so it depends on local law
enforcement to stop unauthorized use of UASs. The FAA released a law
enforcement guide, Law Enforcement Guidance for Suspected Unauthorized
UAS Operations, in January 2015 to explain how first responders and others
can provide assistance to the FAA by:
TSS Background Report
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