National Airspace System(NAS)
Operations in Class B,C,D, and E airspace are allowed with the required ATC permission. Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without ATC permission. Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport operator and control tower (if operating at a tower-controlled airport) before flying. Filing a Drone Notice to Airmen (DROTAM), while not required, is a good practice!
The following recording by Sarah Rhodes describes in more detail the different classes of airspace, and how to interpret them on an aeronautical chart.
Flight Restrictions
Flight not allowed during Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) without explicit permission. Times and locations of active TFRs can be found through the following services:
- Flight Service at 1-800-WX BRIEF (800-992-7433)
- Aloft.ai Links to an external site. (do not make an account with a vt.edu email)
- www.1800wxbrief.com
- tfr.faa.gov/
- Real Time TFR Site
No-Fly Zones
The FAA has also designated other no-fly zones including:
- National Parks
- National Wilderness Areas
- Nuclear power plants
- Military facilities and bases
- NOAA marine sanctuary areas
- Prisons
- Stadiums and other venues where large crowds are present (e.g., Hokie Football games)
- Always check local laws for state and municipal parks for other restrictions