The Federal Aviation Administration proposed a rule that would allow certain critical infrastructure sites to seek restrictions on drone operations around their facilities, creating a new process for limiting unmanned aircraft near sensitive locations.
The proposed rule would apply to 16 categories of infrastructure, including energy facilities, transportation systems, chemical plants, dams, water and wastewater facilities, nuclear sites, emergency services, communications facilities, and defense industrial base locations.
Under the proposal, eligible site operators could apply for restrictions through a new FAA web portal. The FAA would review requests based on safety and security criteria, including aviation safety, national security, homeland security, and the protection of people and property on the ground.
The rule would create two levels of restrictions. A standard unmanned aircraft flight restriction would generally bar drone operations within a defined area, except for operators who previously met certain safety and security standards. A special unmanned aircraft flight restriction would impose a stricter ban, allowing drone flights only with prior approval from both the FAA and the sponsoring agency, such as the Department of Homeland Security.
Restricted areas would include defined horizontal and vertical boundaries. Drone operators who violate the restrictions could face civil or criminal penalties, including license suspension or revocation, fines, and criminal charges.
The FAA said the rule would also allow site operators to contact law enforcement when a drone enters a restricted area. Authorities could then use Remote ID information to locate the drone’s control station or operator.
The proposal is part of a broader federal push to address unauthorized drone activity near sensitive sites while giving drone pilots clearer information about where they can operate. The FAA encouraged drone operators to check B4UFLY for current flight restrictions and airspace information.
The proposed rule is open for public comment through July 6.
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