FAA Drone Incident Reporting:
817-222-5006 or 9-CSA-ROC@faa.gov
Also see Louisiana R.S. 14:337 - Unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or “drone,” operations cover a broad spectrum of commercial and government uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. Highlights of the rule, 14 CFR Part 107, follow.
Operating Requirements
Just as there are rules of the road when driving a car, there are rules of the sky when operating a drone.
- Always avoid manned aircraft.
- Never operate in a careless or reckless manner.
- Keep your drone within sight. If you use First Person View or similar technology, you must have a visual observer always keep your drone within unaided sight (for example, no binoculars).
- You cannot be a pilot or visual observer for more than one drone operation at a time.
- Do not fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation.
- Do not operate your drone from a moving aircraft.
- Do not operate your drone from a moving vehicle unless you are flying your drone over a sparsely populated area and it does not involve the transportation of property for compensation or hire.
- You can fly during daylight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) or in twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting. Minimum weather visibility is three miles from your control station. The maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above the ground, higher if your drone remains within 400 feet of a structure. Maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots).
Your drone can carry an external load if it is securely attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft. You also may transport property for compensation or hire within state boundaries provided the drone (including its attached systems), payload, and cargo, weighs less than 55 pounds total and you obey the other flight rules. (Some exceptions apply to Hawaii and the District of Columbia.)
Understanding Your Authority: Handling Sightings and Reports
Federal Aviation Regulations prohibit the unsafe or unauthorized operation of an aircraft, including drones. Unsafe operations may result in substantial civil penalties and possible action against an operator's FAA-issued certificate, or may be subject to criminal response by law enforcement in accordance with Federal, State and local laws or ordinances.
As a law enforcement officer, you are often in the best position to deter, detect and investigate unsafe or unauthorized drone operations.
Handling Complaints Involving UAS
When responding to complaints about drone operations or a situation involving a drone, there are several things to consider. Law enforcement officers should assess the underlying activity in drone complaints – drone operations may also involve activity that is in violation of additional laws (for example, reckless endangerment, voyeurism, or harassment).
Locate the drone operator and determine the type of operation they are performing (recreational or commercial) by objectively assessing the situation and talking to the operator, then determine what level of law enforcement action is required. Depending on the situation, it may involve a violation of FAA regulations and/or state/local laws. Violations can include operating an aircraft without registration or necessary airman certification, operating an aircraft in an unsafe manner so as to endanger persons or property, and can be either administrative or criminal.
FAA's Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) is your point of contact for Federal, State, local, tribal and international law enforcement agencies in matters of organized crime, drug trafficking, criminal violations, and threats to the national security involving U.S. registered aircraft and FAA certificate holders.
Law Enforcement Resources Video Series
To assist law enforcement personnel with responding to drone incidents, the FAA has created a 3-part video series. This series covers the basics of drone regulations, how to interact with a drone operator when responding to an incident and what you need to know when handling a non-compliant drone operation.
FAA Penalties
The FAA is responsible for the safety of U.S. airspace. There are multiple options to fly a drone legally, however if an operator chooses not to follow those requirements, they could face civil penalties and potential criminal prosecution.
Law Enforcement Checklist
FAA's DRONE Law Enforcement Pocket Card (attached below) helps you identify the necessary steps you need to take to respond to a situation involving a drone.
- Detect all available elements of the situation; attempt to locate and identify individuals operating the drone. (Look at windows/balconies/roof tops).
- Report the incident to the FAA Regional Operations Center (ROC). Contact information can be found on the Law Enforcement Pocket Card. Follow-up assistance can be obtained through FAA Law Enforcement Assistance Program special agents.
- Observe the drone and maintain visibility of the device; look for damage or injured individuals. Note: Battery life is typically 20 to 30 minutes.
- Notice features: Identify the type of device (fixed-wing/multi-rotor), its size, shape, color, payload (i.e., video equipment), and activity of device.
- Execute appropriate police action: Maintain a safe environment for general public and first responders. Conduct a field interview, request proof of drone registration, and document ALL details of the event per the guidance provided by the FAA.