Hill AFB Information about Drones/Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)
Flying a drone, or small unmanned aircraft system, near Hill AFB has both safety and legal responsibilities. This page will provide you guidance and resources to operate your sUAS near Hill AFB assigned airspace within the legal parameters and in a safe manner. Hill AFB wants to ensure flying safety remains paramount in the airspace around Hill AFB and neighboring Ogden Airport by asking all drone/sUAS operators to become knowledgeable and to practice good general operating rules required to fly a drone/sUAS in the National Airspace System.
Prohibited Flight over Military Installations
All sUAS/drone flight operations, including public, civil, and model aircraft, are prohibited within the airspace over select national security sensitive facilities, including Hill Air Force Base, surface to 400 feet above the ground. These areas are designated "National Defense Airspace." Operators who do not comply with these drone restrictions may incur criminal charges under 49 USC 46307. Visit http://udds-faa.opendata.arcgis.com for more information and to see an interactive map of all locations.
sUAS/Drone Authorization within Hill Airspace
Hill AFB’s airport surface area encompasses the area used for local flight operations. This Class D airspace extends several miles out from the geographic center of the airport. In order to fly a drone/sUAS within any controlled airspace (including Class B, C, and D airspace) up to 400’ at any location, or if any non-standard flying operations will occur (over 100 mph, night flying, etc.), all drone/sUAS operators must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before executing any flying operations. FAA COA’s are explained on the FAA website (https://www.faa.gov/uas) and can also be found on the FAA’s DroneZone portal (https://faadronezone.faa.gov/ #/). If you are unsure as to whether or not you require an airspace authorization please reference the FAA’s guidance or contact Hill AFB airfield management operations at 801-777-1861. Once you have an approved authorization you may only fly within compliance of the parameters outlined in the COA. We will do our best to work with the FAA in order to quickly process waivers that fall within airspace assigned to Hill AFB, but FAA authorization requests may take up to 60 days to get approved. Hill AFB streamlines the COA process by using the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) allowing user to request authorization to operate and view local operating area restrictions (https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc). All drone/sUAS operators must be aware of any stipulations outlined in their approved authorizations as well as any other events/airspace restrictions that would impact their flying operations (TFRs, public events, night-time operations etc.). Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution. sUAS/Drone operators are also strongly encouraged to register their aircraft with the FAA.
Hill AFB FAA UAS facility map:
Helpful FAA Links:
FAA DroneZone: https://faadronezone.faa.gov/#/
FAA UAS Guidance: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
FAA UAS Interactive Map: http://udds-faa.opendata.arcgis.com
FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc
14 CFR 107 (legal guidance on sUAS use): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-107#sp14.2.107.a
Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about drone/sUAS use near Hill AFB, please contact airfield management operations at 801-777-1861. For broader questions regarding FAA drone policies or waivers outside of Hill AFB assigned airspace please contact the FAA UAS/Drone office via email at UAShelp@faa.gov or call 844-FLY-MY-UA. Thank you for helping us keep the skies safe!