Cherry Blossoms and Drones Don’t Mix
Spring in the Nation’s Capital brings with it the extraordinary beauty of the cherry trees blooming around the Tidal Basin. At the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they want you to shoot all the photos and video you want – but leave your drone at home.
The prohibition against flying any type of unmanned aircraft, or “drone,” without specific approval includes the District of Columbia and cities and towns within a 15-mile radius of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The FAA is conducting the “No Drone Zone” campaign so visitors and residents understand that operating an unmanned aircraft in this area – for any purpose – is against the law.
The airspace around Washington, D.C. is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish “national defense airspace” over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) authorization. Violators face stiff fines and criminal penalties.
