It’s not enough to just watch a few online videos, buy a drone and learn how to fly it. You also need to clearly understand where you can fly a drone and which areas are off-limits.
Yes, you can actually get permission to fly into regulated airspace, but you will need a number of permits and authorizations, which can be obtained through the Avision platform.
You must make sure that you do not violate the restrictions set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the rules for using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Why Understanding GEO Zones is Crucial Before You Fly
Some sites and the airspace around them are not considered drone fly zones due to safety concerns and several other reasons. For example, you can’t fly near military bases or prisons, as they are highly secure locations where civilian access is prohibited. At the same time, there is a risk of accidents near airports, etc.
If you attempt to fly a drone in the national airspace and do not take into account the restrictions of the drone fly zone, pilots may face many risks, such as heavy fines, criminal proceedings, or even more serious problems.
What Are Geo zones and Why They Matter
GEO Zones (Geographic Zones) are confined to locations that are assigned specific rules and restrictions. The GEO Zone map shows pilots where and how they can use unmanned aircraft, or cannot fly at all.
What is a GEO Zone for drones? This is a kind of indicator that shows locations with restricted flights, completely restricted zones, etc. Usually, drone GEO Zones are divided into six classes:
- No Restrictions.
- Authorization Zones.
- Restricted Areas.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).
- National Parks, Urban Areas, and Protected Areas.
- Altitude Zones.
However, in practice, there may be additional factors that affect where and when you can pilot drones.
Classification of GEO Zones
Let’s take a quick look at the six key drone flying zones and their features, including piloting restrictions, additional requirements for equipment owners, etc.
Restricted Zones
Military bases, prisons, and other protected facilities have a high level of danger to civilian aircraft. Any aerial or ground-based activity, photography and video recording is strictly prohibited (within certain territorial limits). None of the available permits apply to this zone.
Altitude Zones
Special areas where flying within certain altitudes is prohibited. Required permits are sought to operate in them, including from local authorities, the FAA, etc. In some zones, civilian flights are prohibited altogether and cannot be obtained even through LAANC.
National Parks, Urban Areas, and Protected Areas
These drone flight zones also have a number of restrictions for drone pilots, but not the same as the above. To work in these regions, you need FAA approval, and if you work on private property, you also need the permission of the owners of the territory (estates, businesses, etc.).
No Restrictions
Absolutely free airspace where you can pilot without any restrictions. The pilot must still follow the rules of safe UAV operation and not create emergencies or incidents that could endanger other pilots, civilians, animals, or nature.
How to Check for GEO Zones
To determine where to operate your UAV, you need a fly safe geo zone map. To do this, you can use Avision’s LAANC and B4UFLY services, which show you allowed and restricted flight areas in real time.
This allows you to plan your flight route in advance, determine the time and area of operation, and access the zone for a specific time.
The Importance of Flying Safely
Here are some reasons to operate responsibly in the airspace:
- Safe flying practices help prevent accidents that could result in injury to people or damage to property.
- Responsible operation contributes to a positive public image of drone technology by reducing risks.
- Most countries have strict regulations on the use of drones. Failure to comply can end up in fines, lawsuits, or loss of flight privileges.
- Safe flying reduces the risk of accidents or damage to the drone, broadening its lifespan and cutting repair costs.
- For tasks such as surveying or photography, safe flight ensures the accuracy and dependability of the data collected.
- Responsible flying helps protect wildlife and habitats by reducing disturbance to animals and ecosystems.
- Safe flying often involves operating with minimal noise and respecting the environment and the community.
- Demonstrating safe flight practices can help build trust with local communities, making them more receptive to drone operations.
- A positive reputation can create opportunities for cooperation with local authorities or businesses.
- Drone pilots should monitor their flying practices, making safety a priority in every flight.
This is not a complete list of the rules and benefits of safe flying practices.
Conclusion
Geo-fences in the United States and other countries are a comprehensive indicator of the permitted and prohibited flight in certain locations. Failure to comply with the restrictions and requirements of regulators can lead to administrative and criminal consequences, and in the most extreme cases, to injury to people and damage to property.
Using Avision’s B4UFLY and LAANC services help you better understand risk before you fly and ensure you have the necessary permitted airspace authorizations.
Fly responsibly and safely with Avision!
FAQ
How do different types of GEO Zones affect where I can fly my drone?
Here are some examples:
- No-Fly Zones. As a rule, these are military bases, war zones, or areas of natural disasters, fires, etc. where civilians are not permitted to fly.
- Restricted Zones. Areas around airports and industrial facilities where there is a heavier airspace traffic and increased risk of emergencies.
- Warning Zones. As a rule, these are places where there are some restrictions on the behavior of UAVs, but flights are generally allowed.
- Authorization Zones. Private property, nature reserves, etc., where flights are allowed but require permits.
A more detailed classification is described in the material.
What tools can I use to check if an area is within a GEO Zone?
For example, the LAANC and B4UFLY services from Avision. Here, you can access maps that show restrictions for different zones in real time and provide an opportunity to obtain flight permits.
What should I do if I haphazardly fly into a GEO Zone?
Depending on the type of zone, you should contact the FAA and representatives of the facility that owns the airspace in question. Inform them about the type of UAV, its speed, charge level, etc.
