The National Capital Region is governed by a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) within a 30-mile radius of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which restricts all flights in the greater DC area. The FAA has a NOTAM in place memorializing the operating rules. Please review that NOTAM for the most recent information. 

The SFRA is divided into a 15-mile radius inner ring and a 30-mile radius outer ring.

• Flying an unmanned aircraft within the 15-mile radius inner ring is prohibited without specific FAA authorization.
• Experienced Part 107 and public aircraft operators with justification can file your request through the on-line Access Program (AAP)
• A TSA/FAA waiver and an SGI/COA is required
• Flying a drone for recreational use between 15 and 30 miles from Washington, D.C. is allowed under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (49 USC 44809) and the NOTAM which generally includes these operating conditions:
  • Aircraft must be registered and marked
  • Fly below 400 ft.
  • Fly within visual line-of-sight
  • Fly in clear weather conditions
  • Never fly near other aircraft
• Flying a drone for non-recreational use  is permissible in the DC SFRA if conducted in compliance with part 107 or the operator's applicable FAA grant of exemption or waiver, or in accordance with the requirements for public aircraft operations (PAO).

The airspace around Washington, D.C. is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish "national defense airspace" over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration authorization. Violators face stiff fines and criminal penalties.