U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)'s video: Aviation Safety: Federal Efforts to Address Unauthorized Drone Flights Near Airports

Generally, recreational and commercial drone operators can fly in uncontrolled airspace under 400 feet, as long as they meet certain requirements. However, they cannot operate in most controlled airspace without FAA authorization. According to FAA officials, many airports are located in controlled airspace, meaning that drones require FAA authorization in order to operate in that space. Regardless, operators are expressly prohibited from operating in a manner that interferes with airport operations and traffic patterns. According to FAA officials, this prohibition is because of concerns that small drone operations could present a hazard to other aircraft operating at low altitudes. Check out the report: https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-24-107195 Get transcript: https://www.gao.gov/assets/870/866725.txt Learn more about GAO: gao.gov/about Check out the WatchBlog: gao.gov/blog Check out our Podcasts: gao.gov/podcast Follow GAO on Social Media: Twitter.com/usgao Instagram.com/usgao LinkedIn.com/company/us-government YouTube.com/usgao Facebook.com/usgao Flicker.com/photos/usgao General Information: The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress. Often called the "congressional watchdog," GAO investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. Mission: Our Mission is to support the Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and ensure the accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. We provide Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonpartisan, non-ideological, fair, and balanced. Disclaimer: The U.S. GAO does not promote or endorse any non-Government or commercial content appearing on this page.