Truax Field outlines 'No Drone' Policy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Cameron Lewis
  • 115th Fighter Wing

As the market for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or what’s better known as drones, continues to increase each year, the Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Defense and the United States Air Force have had to establish regulations and policies to accommodate both manned and unmanned aircraft occupying the same airspace.

Where Truax Field, the 115th Fighter Wing and Dane County Regional Airport are all co-located, it’s important to note that the FAA prohibits flight within 5 miles of a controlled airport without an airspace authorization, and flight over or on the 115th Fighter Wing is always prohibited.

 

While the FAA may grant an airspace authorization to fly within 5 miles of DCRA, that does not give authorization to fly over military facilities as any and all drone use at the 115th FW must be coordinated and approved by the installation commander . “No Drone Zone” signs are displayed on the bases fence line perimeter.

Small unmanned aircraft users can find general FAA operating procedures and guidelines at www.faa.gov/uas/. The website lists requirements for recreational users, commercial users, and describes restrictions for operating around all airfields, both military and public.

Some general rules:
• Small unmanned aircraft must give way to all manned aviation activities: airplanes, gliders, parachutists, hang gliders, the Goodyear blimp, etc. If it flies or glides, it has the right of way.

• The operator must remain within visual line of sight of the small unmanned aircraft. Operators can’t control or remain clear of other aircraft when they can’t see their own small unmanned aircraft.

• Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over any persons not directly involved in the operation.


To determine if a flight will take place within 5 miles of an airfield is to download the B4UFly app. The free FAA developed app can help users know whether there are any restrictions or requirements where they want to fly and is available on both iPhone and Android platforms.