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No Drone Zone

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Reed
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

Regardless of what unmanned aircraft systems F. E. Warren Airmen use to complete the mission, under no circumstances may others who are not conducting official duties operate drones, model aircraft, model rockets or other UAS on base.

Due to security concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration bans the operation of private, civil and commercial drones on or over 133 U.S. military facilities including F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. This policy, which is strictly enforced, falls under UAS NOTAM FDC 7/7282 and violators of this law may incur criminal charges.

It is difficult to determine the difference between hostile and non-hostile UAS. That is why operating UAS on F. E. Warren could pose a threat.

Drones and other UAS may be flown off base in certain areas; however, the FAA still imposes rules and regulations in these areas for the safety of the drone operator and others. They must only be flown in approved areas at specific times and must fly lower than that area’s required altitude.  Operators must be licensed and must keep UAS within their line of sight at all times.

Aircraft in the area always have priority in the air space. Helicopters will fly as low as 50 feet and planes can fly as low as 300 feet. It is necessary to inform the Air National Guard tower when flying UAS within five miles of the local airport.

 If you are unsure if you are within five miles of an airport, download the mobile app “B4UFLY” to see your current location and the surrounding airports that you may need to notify. The FAA also has available information to ensure drones are operated legally and safely, to include an interactive map of no-fly and National Defense Airspace areas as well as maximum legal altitudes based on geographic locations. 

A full list of rules and regulations can be found by visiting the Federal Aviation Administration UAS Website.

Remember, under no circumstances can drones and other UAS be operated on base.  Operators found violating this law will not only lose possession of their drones, but may face criminal charges.

For any questions regarding prohibited UAS on or around F. E. Warren AFB, contact the 90th Missile Wing Flight Safety office at 307-773-3875.