Base outlines rules regarding use of recreational drones Published Dec. 22, 2015 By Master Sgt. Phyllis Keith 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- With a couple of clicks online, anyone can become the owner of a recreational unmanned aircraft system, commonly called a "drone." These "drones" are not toys, but considered aircraft. "This means UAS are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration, and with that comes a responsibility to fly by the rules," said Col. Eric Froehlich, the 377th Air Base Wing commander. Two areas at Kirtland are approved for use of small recreational UAS. "Zia and Pershing Parks are the two authorized areas to fly UAS on base; Hardin Field is not," said Lt. Col. Russell Stilling, 377th Security Forces Group deputy commander. Not all air force bases allow recreational UAS to fly on base, said Randal Arthur, chief of investigations and intelligence branch of the 377th SFS. Arthur said service members and their families were allowed to fly UAS in their individual yards in base housing as long as they were less than five pounds (see UAS guidance information below). Froehlich said everyone has a duty to report UAS observed flying outside of these approved areas. "There's no need for an individual to investigate on his or her own. Contact security forces immediately," he said. Stilling said security forces personnel are trained to respond to unauthorized use of UAS on base and will determine the level of the violation. "If you find a crashed or unattended UAS on base, treat as a suspicious package," Arthur said. "Leave it alone and notify the base defense operations center at 846-7913." With UAS sales expected to reach a record 700,000 by the end of this year, according to the Consumer Technology Association's July 2015 forecast, you may find yourself the new owner of one. According to the FAA website, anyone who takes ownership of a UAS after Dec. 21 must register it prior to operation. For more information, go to https://www.faa.gov/uas/ and http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/for-recreational-users/. UAS guidance for KAFB · Must be small, less than 15 pounds · Must be flown in the visual line of sight operations · Cannot be flown higher than 200 feet · Must be battery-operated only, no gas engines · Cannot have any type of audio/visual recording/capturing equipment · May only be operated in designated areas only · May not be flown across roads, parking lots, over fences or buildings/structures · May not be flown within 20 ft. of any individual except for the operator(s) · Must be small, less than five pounds if flown in the housing areas and must be kept within the confines of the individuals authorized "yard" area.