Operation in prohibited or restricted areas

This regulation prohibits drone pilots from flying in prohibited or restricted airspace unless they obtain permission from the agency that uses or controls that area.

Prohibited areas are airspace closed to all aircraft for security or safety reasons (such as over certain government facilities). Restricted areas contain hazards like military training, artillery firing, or other dangerous activities, and are active during specific times.

Before any flight, you must check for these areas using current aeronautical charts or apps like B4UFLY. If your planned operation falls within prohibited or restricted airspace, you cannot legally fly there without explicit permission from the controlling agency—typically the FAA for prohibited areas or the military/government agency for restricted areas.

This is a strict requirement. Flying in these areas without permission violates Part 107 and can result in enforcement action, even if you didn't cause any actual interference or danger.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*