Drone No-Fly Zones

Interactive map of restricted airspace and no-fly zones for drones

Warning: Flying in restricted airspace is a federal offense. Always check airspace authorizations BEFORE flying. Use the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC-approved apps for real-time airspace information. This map is for educational purposes only - always verify with official FAA sources.
Airports (Class B/C) Military Installations National Parks D.C. Flight Restricted Zone Stadiums/Venues (TFR)
Download B4UFLY App
Zone Types
Airports National Parks Military Bases Washington D.C. Temp Restrictions Checking Tools

Airport No-Fly Zones

Airports create controlled airspace that requires authorization for drone operations. The size and shape of the controlled airspace depends on the airport classification.

Airport ClassTypical RadiusAuthorizationExamples
Class BUp to 30 nmLAANC or FAA DroneZoneJFK, LAX, ORD, ATL, CLE
Class CUp to 10 nmLAANC or FAA DroneZoneRegional airports with approach control
Class DUp to 5 nmLAANC or FAA DroneZoneSmaller airports with control towers
Class E (surface)VariesLAANC or FAA DroneZoneAirports without towers but with instrument approaches

National Parks

The National Park Service (NPS) prohibits launching, landing, or operating drones in ALL national park units under 36 CFR 1.5. This includes national parks, monuments, historic sites, seashores, and recreation areas.

All 424+ National Park Service units are no-drone zones. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 and 6 months imprisonment. There are no recreational exceptions.
Notable National Parks (No Drones):
Grand Canyon
Yellowstone
Yosemite
Cuyahoga Valley (OH)
Zion
Acadia
Great Smoky Mountains
Glacier
Rocky Mountain

Military Installations

Military bases, testing ranges, and installations have restricted or prohibited airspace. Some of this airspace extends well beyond the base boundaries.

Wright-Patterson AFB (Dayton, OH) - Extensive restricted area
Nellis AFB / Area 51 (Nevada) - Large prohibited area
Fort Liberty (NC) - Restricted airspace
Naval Station Norfolk (VA) - Prohibited airspace
Edwards AFB (CA) - Large restricted area
White Sands (NM) - Missile range restricted area

Washington D.C. Special Flight Rules Area

The Washington D.C. area has the most restrictive airspace in the country. The Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) covers approximately 30 nautical miles around Reagan National Airport, and the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) covers the core area around the National Mall.

EXTREME PENALTIES: Unauthorized drone flights in the D.C. SFRA/FRZ can result in federal criminal charges, fines up to $100,000, and imprisonment. Military fighter jets and helicopters may intercept unauthorized aircraft. This is treated as a national security matter.

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

TFRs are temporary no-fly zones issued by the FAA for various reasons. They can appear and disappear quickly, so always check before flying.

Common TFR Causes
  • Presidential/VIP movements
  • Sporting events (stadiums 30,000+ capacity)
  • Wildfires and disaster response
  • Space launches
  • Major public events
  • Military operations
Stadium TFR Rule

The FAA prohibits drone operations within a 3-nautical-mile radius and up to 3,000 feet AGL around any stadium or venue with 30,000+ capacity during events (starting 1 hour before through 1 hour after). This includes MLB, NFL, NCAA, NASCAR, and other major sporting events.

Tools for Checking Airspace

B4UFLY

FAA's official app. Shows airspace status at your location. Free for iOS and Android.

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AirMap

LAANC-approved app for airspace awareness and authorization. Real-time airspace data.

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Aloft (Kittyhawk)

LAANC-approved. Enterprise drone operations platform with airspace intelligence.

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Sources: FAA B4UFLY | FAA TFR List | NPS UAS Policy | FAA Operations Over People