KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Soaring the skies of just about every neighborhood, small unmanned aircraft systems or drones are sweeping the nation.
While enthusiasts often join local drone clubs and fly them under Federal Aviation Administration rules, some users may not realize there are places where their new toys are prohibited from flying, like Kirtland Air Force Base.
“Unmanned aircraft systems may be a lot fun but, users should do research before making a purchase,” said Stephen Warner, Sandia National Laboratory safety engineer. “There are many prohibitions by FAA standards as well as base.”
Federal law doesn’t not permit any drone or model aircraft flights within 5 miles of military installations and civilian airports.
“For us, it’s about safety,” said Stephen Warner, Sandia National Laboratory safety engineer. “If one of those unmanned aircraft goes unresponsive during flight it could potentially disrupt a flight pattern or cause damage to millions of dollars in assets shared between the Sunport and Kirtland flight line."
Drone misuse in the past has attributed to millions of dollars in damage to commercial aircraft with similar effect of a bird strike.
While complaints are currently held to a minimum, the Kirtland flight line has been receiving more and more reports of recreational drones near restricted areas.
“Unmanned aerial vehicles could be potentially used as spying platforms prying into classified areas,” said Warner. “Even if you incidentally or accidentally take a picture of something you’re not supposed to, there are multiple restricted areas on the flight line. When you fly something like this close to the flight line you’re bound to get something that you’re not supposed to have.”
However, service members and their families are allowed to fly UAS in two areas on base.
“The only current places that allow permissive flight of drones on base are Zia and Pershing Park,” said Ian Reese, 58th Operations Support Squadron flight operations manager. “Hardin field still currently stands as a restricted area.”
Kirtland’s current policy allows for the confiscation of drones, along with the drone flier possibly facing administrative or other legal consequences.
Tips for using an Unmanned Aircraft Systems in New Mexico
While shredding the skies with your new drone is as easy as the purchase, there are still guidelines that you must follow in New Mexico. Here are some resources that can help you enjoy your aerial toy as much as possible within the legal requirements.
• KnowBeforeYouFly.org This website is jointly sponsored by the FAA, the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and other organizations. It lists guidelines for recreational, business and public-entity users.
• www.Faa.gov/uas The FAA’s official site on UAS rules and questions.
• www.Federaldroneregistration.com For tips on completing official registration of you small unmanned aircraft sysem or drone.
• Current FAA safety guidelines. The aviation agency’s safety guidelines include not flying within 5 miles of any airport; not operating near sensitive infrastructure such as power stations, government facilities, etc.; and no surveillance or photos in areas where people have an expectation of privacy.