FL Policy 01-16 Use of Unmanned Radio Controlled Model Aircraft

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
US ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON, FORT LEE
3312 A AVENUE, SUITE 208
FORT LEE VIRGINIA 23801-1723
IMLE-ZA
FORT LEE POLICY NO: 01-16
FEB
8 2016
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT: Use of Unmanned Radio Controlled (RC) Model Aircraft and Commercial
Drones on the Installation
1. References:
a. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems website,
http://www.faa .gov/uas.
b. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act of
2012, Public Law 112-95, Section 336 (2012).
c. Notice N JO 7210.891, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
Administration, subject: Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the National Airspace System
(NAS), 25 November 2015.
d. Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57A, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), subject:
Model Aircraft Operating Standards, 2 September 2015.
e. Fort Lee Policy 02-14 (Installation Photography and Videography), 28 February
2014.
2. Purpose. To define the use and limitations of radio controlled (RC) model aircraft
and commercial drones over Fort Lee and its assigned airspace. Model Aircraft and
drones are classified as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and are the same for
registration purposes on Fort Lee and with the FAA.
3. Background. Aircraft of any size without a pilot onboard are considered UAS by the
FAA. The three categories of UAS operations are public (government), civil, and model
aircraft (hobbyist). Model Aircraft are the only type required for discussion in this policy
letter. Specific model aircraft does not require FAA approval, but it must fall within the
scope listed in Section 336 of Public Law (PL) 112-95. The main aircraft requirements
are: (1) weigh less than 55 pounds; (2) fly strictly for personal (non-business related)
use; (3) operate within a nationwide community-based organization (CBO) set of safety
guidelines; (4) not interfere with manned aircraft; and (5) coordinate with local airport
management or air traffic control if flown within 5 miles of an airport. As of 14
December 2015, these aircraft must be registered with the FAA (see
IMLE-ZA
https://registermyuas.faa.gov/). Registration helps to ensure safety for the owner,

personnel on the ground and manned aircraft. It also enables the return of a UAS
should it be lost.
4 . Model UAS Safety Guidelines. Model UAS aircraft are for hobby or recreational
purpose only. All UAS on Fort Lee must follow the Fort Lee community model UAS
aircraft and drone safety guidelines. See enclosure 1.
5. UAS Required Registration. Any UAS that weighs (with all accessories) more than
0.55 lbs. (250 g) and less than 55 lbs. (25 kg) (see enclosure 2) must register with the
FAA's "UAS Registry" (see https://registermyuas.faa.govD. Operators who owned and
operated their UAS prior to 21December2015 must register by 19 February 2016. All
UAS operators must be 13 years of age or older and a U.S. citizen or legal permanent
resident. The registration site provides a certificate for download that is valid for three
years and emails the certificate to the required email address at the time of registration.
When operating a UAS, an owner must be able to present the certificate in either print
or electronic format. After registration , an owner must mark the registration number on
all of their registered UAS. Failure to register an aircraft can result in regulatory and
criminal sanctions (civil penalties up to $27 ,500 and criminal penalties include fines of
up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years).
6. Law enforcement of unauthorized use of Radio Controlled (RC) model aircraft
(unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and/or drones) on Fort Lee.
a. Title 49 U.S.C. 40103 requires the FAA to regulate aircraft operations conducted
in the NAS, which includes UAS operations. To protect persons and property on the
ground, and to prevent collisions between aircraft and other aircraft or objects.
b. With this responsibility in mind the FAA recognizes that local law enforcement is
often in the best position to deter, detect, immediately investigate, and , as appropriate,
pursue enforcement actions to stop unauthorized or unsafe UAS operations. On Fort
Lee that responsibility rests with the Military Police (MP).
c. If an aircraft is operated outside FAA and Fort Lee policies or in a manner
deemed inappropriate, the operator may face legal repercussions.
d. Every member of the Fort Lee community is responsible for maintaining the
highest possible safety standards. Each member should report information regarding
known or suspected incidents of inappropriate UAS/drone/model aircraft operations to
the Military Police Desk at (804) 734-7400.
Due to Fort Lee's concerns for force protection and basic Constitutional privacy, UAS
operators will not post or publish UAS aerial photography or video taken on Fort Lee on
social media or open source venues without prior authorization. Additionally, Fort Lee
7.
IMLE-ZA
does not have the authority to require approval for aerial photography or video taken off
post (ex: UAS operator is a Soldier who lives on post, but posts photos taken off post
taken with his or her UAS). All requirements for vetting and obtaining aerial
photography/video on post must be coordinated in advance with the Installation
Antiterrorism I Force Protection Program Manager, (804) 734-6410/1575, Plans and
Operations, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DPTMS).
8. Public Law 112-95 recognizes the authority of the FAA to pursue enforcement action
against persons operating model aircraft who endanger the safety of the National
Airspace System. Operators and hobbyists may not be aware of these processes and
restrictions and may inadvertently violate H.R. 658-62, Section 331, which can create
airspace conflicts, and inaugurate a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigation if
the photography or video is posted on social media or put out on an open source for
public consumption.
9. The proponent for this policy is the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and
Security.
2 Encls
1. Fort Lee Dos and Don'ts
2. Registration Samples
PAUL K.BROOKS
COL, LG
Commanding
DISTRIBUTION:
LEE KEY
IMLE-ZA
Enclosure 1: FAA and Fort Lee Dos and Don'ts - Hobby/Recreational Flying
1. What can I do with my model aircraft: having fun means flying safe! Hobby or
recreational flying doesn't require FAA approval but you must follow safety guidelines.
Any other use requires FAA authorization. For more information visit www.faa.gov/uas.
2. Avoid doing anything hazardous to other airplanes or people and property on the
ground.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
I.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
Register each individual aircraft and drone w/ the FAA (www.faa.gov/uas)

Register each operator and or responsible adult w/ the FAA (www.faa.gov/uas)
Do take lessons and learn to fly safely
Do fly a model aircraft for personal enjoyment
Do contact the airport or control tower when flying within 5 miles of an
airport/heliport
Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
Keep all aircraft and drones within visual line of sight at all times of the operator
Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft or parachute
operations
Never fly near emergency response efforts
Do not fly model aircraft for payment or commercial purposes
Do not fly over the Federal Bureau of Prisons Petersburg Federal Prison facility
or its property
Do not fly over the Petersburg Regional Jail complex or its property
Do not fly near people or stadiums, games or sporting events
Do not operate an aircraft that weighs more than 55 Pounds
Do not fly careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft- you could be fined
for endangering people, other aircraft, or property
Do not harass or interfere with wildlife populations
Do not fly over wooded areas
Do not fly over or near the Fort Lee VA39 heliport/pad (behind the
PX/Commissary) facilities
3. For more information about safety training and guidelines, visit

www.knowbeforeyoufly.org.
IMLE-ZA
Enclosure 2: Registration Samples

Note - The following list of unmanned aircraft weights is provided as guidance. The
weights for each unmanned aircraft listed have been provided by manufacturers and
vendors, and have not been independently verified by the FAA. The listed weights do
not include the weight of a camera, sensor, battery or other device that may be added to
the aircraft as an option, thereby increasing the aircraft's weight. The listed weights do
not include the weight of controllers and other equipment that remain on the ground
during operation and therefore are not a part of the aircraft. Each owner of an
unmanned aircraft is responsible for complying with the registration requirements that
apply to that aircraft.
Name
Weight
Camera?
TSQ Heli
Max
1.1 oz.
Name
UDI
Discovery
Would Require
Re lstratlon?
WOULD NOT
REQUIRE
REGISTRATION
UNDER RULE
Weight Camera?
4.6 oz.
Example Images
Example Images
Would Require
Registration?
WOULD NOT
REQUIRE
REGISTRATION
UNDER RULE
IMLE-ZA
Name
Hubsan
X4
Weight
Camera?
1.7 oz.
Example Images
Would Require
Registration?
WOULD NOT
REQUIRE
REGISTRATION
UNDER RULE
Camera
Would Require
Registration?
Name
Weight
30
(3DR)
3 lbs,
7.1 oz
(without
Solo
camera)
Name
Weight
Camera
?
Would R9qulre
2 lbs,
REQUIRE
REGISTRATION
UNDER RULE
Robotics
Optional
Go Pro
OJI
Phantom
Standard
11.4oz
WOULD
REQUIRE
REGISTRATJON
UNDER RULE
RocJstr.,.tlon?
""2!.!lJ2

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

US ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

FORT LEE POLICY NO: 01-16

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

https://registermyuas.faa.gov/). Registration helps to ensure safety for the owner,

Register each individual aircraft and drone w/ the FAA (www.faa.gov/uas)

3. For more information about safety training and guidelines, visit

Enclosure 2: Registration Samples

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