e8be7a99-29f2-421e-95ec-190919c58f9b

## Drone Rules - Saguaro National Park




**Drone flights are prohibited** in Saguaro National Park.








### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use within either district (Rincon Mountain or Tucson Mountain)
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- Nesting Gila woodpeckers and elf owls in saguaro cacti are sensitive to aerial disturbance





### Source
- Saguaro Rules: https://www.nps.gov/sagu/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Airspace: ⚠️ Tucson Class C (TUS) — ATC authorization required

## Geographic Boundaries
Saguaro National Park consists of two separate districts
flanking Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.
- Rincon Mountain District (East): 32.1793° N, 110.7368° W (~67,293 acres)
- Tucson Mountain District (West): 32.2530° N, 111.1987° W (~24,034 acres)
- Total area: ~91,327 acres
- Both districts within Tucson International Airport (TUS) Class C
- Nearest city: Tucson, AZ (park surrounds city on two sides)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Saguaro Wilderness (~70,905 acres) — Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131)
- FAA Class C Airspace (TUS) — ATC authorization mandatory
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- LAANC availability: check FAA UAS Facility Map (TUS grid)

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA Class C violation: civil penalties up to $27,500/day
  + possible certificate action
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- FAA LAANC or DroneZone authorization for Class C airspace
- Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit
Submit requests to: Saguaro NP Superintendent,
3693 S Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85730

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Absolutely Prohibited — tribal sovereignty is primary
  jurisdiction; no recreational permit pathway exists
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ No commercial permit pathway without explicit
  Taos Pueblo Tribal Council authorization; FAA Part 107 certification
  does not confer any right to operate over tribal lands
- UNESCO Layer: ⚠️ World Heritage Site — multi-agency international
  framework applies; any operation requires State Dept awareness
- Tribal Sovereignty: ⚠️ ABSOLUTE — Taos Pueblo exercises full sovereign
  authority over tribal airspace; federal Indian law supersedes all
  state and local UAS regulations

## Geographic Boundaries
Taos Pueblo is located in Taos County, New Mexico, within the sovereign
territory of the Taos Pueblo tribal nation.
- Total area: ~95,000 acres (Pueblo de Taos land grant + Blue Lake
  Wilderness watershed)
- Coordinates: 36.4375° N, 105.5472° W (pueblo core)
- Nearest city: Taos, NM (~2.5 miles south)
- Terrain: multi-story adobe pueblo complex (North House and South House,
  both 5 stories), Red Willow Creek (Rio Pueblo de Taos), Taos Mountain
  (sacred; 12,305 ft MSL), Blue Lake watershed (returned to Taos Pueblo
  by Congress in 1970 via P.L. 91-550)
- Continuously inhabited for 1,000+ years (current structures built
  ~1000–1450 CE; occupied without interruption to present day)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 — inscribed for Outstanding
  Universal Value as a living cultural landscape
- National Historic Landmark
- Blue Lake and surrounding watershed (~48,000 acres) — most sacred
  site in Taos Pueblo cosmology; returned after 64-year congressional
  battle; absolute no-fly zone enforced by tribal rangers
- Taos Mountain — sacred; aerial access over mountain constitutes
  direct violation of tribal religious law
- Airspace: Class E above 700 ft AGL; surface Class G — however,
  tribal sovereignty creates a de facto no-fly zone that is enforced
  independently of FAA airspace classification

## Regulations
- Taos Pueblo Tribal Law — tribal sovereignty is the primary and
  supreme jurisdiction over all activities on Taos Pueblo lands
  including airspace; the Taos Pueblo Tribal Council enforces a
  blanket prohibition on all unauthorized drone operations
- Federal Indian Law — 25 U.S.C. § 177 (Indian Nonintercourse Act)
  and established tribal sovereignty doctrine; tribes retain inherent
  sovereign authority over their territories including airspace
- American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. § 1996) — Blue Lake
  and Taos Mountain are among the most sacred sites in North American
  indigenous religious practice; drone overflight constitutes direct
  violation of AIRFA religious freedom protections
- Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C.
  § 3001) — ancestral burial sites throughout pueblo territory
- National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 300101) — National
  Historic Landmark; UNESCO World Heritage inscription adds
  international framework requiring State Dept coordination
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 470aa) —
  1,000+ years of continuous occupation deposits throughout site
- Taos Pueblo Blue Lake Act (P.L. 91-550, 1970) — congressional
  recognition of sacred watershed; aerial intrusion over Blue Lake
  violates the congressional intent of the return legislation
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide —
  however, FAA jurisdiction does not supersede tribal sovereignty
  over tribal lands; both frameworks apply simultaneously
- Photography and recording restrictions: Taos Pueblo tribal law
  prohibits photography, video, and aerial recording of the pueblo
  interior, ceremonial activities, and sacred landscape features
  at all times; drone camera operations = automatic tribal violation
  regardless of airspace position

## Penalties
- Taos Pueblo tribal court: fines, equipment confiscation, permanent
  ban from tribal lands, and potential criminal charges under tribal
  law for sovereignty violations
- AIRFA violations: federal civil penalties; DOJ referral possible
  for egregious religious freedom violations
- NHPA civil penalties for damage to National Historic Landmark fabric
- ARPA violations: fines up to $20,000 + 2 years imprisonment
- NAGPRA violations: federal criminal prosecution
- UNESCO World Heritage violation: multi-agency federal review;
  potential State Dept diplomatic implications
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 32 for willful violations
- Note: Taos Pueblo tribal rangers actively patrol pueblo airspace
  and have authority to detain violators on tribal lands

## Special Permissions
- Taos Pueblo Tribal Council authorization is the FIRST and ONLY
  pathway to any permitted operation; no NPS, BLM, FAA, or state
  permit can substitute for tribal authorization
- Blue Lake watershed: NO permit pathway exists under any circumstances;
  tribal law prohibits all non-tribal access including aerial access
- Taos Mountain: NO permit pathway for aerial operations; sacred
  mountain designation is absolute
- Commercial film and photography: extraordinarily rare permits
  issued at sole discretion of Tribal Council; all requests must
  be submitted through the Taos Pueblo Governor's Office with
  full project description, intended use, and distribution plan
- UNESCO World Heritage documentation: requires Tribal Council +
  UNESCO/NPS coordination; no unilateral permit pathway
Submit all requests to: Taos Pueblo Governor's Office,
PO Box 1846, Taos Pueblo, NM 87571
Phone: (575) 758-1028
Note: Cold outreach without prior tribal relationship is unlikely
to receive permit consideration; engage through recognized
cultural or academic intermediaries

## Drone Rules - North Cascades National Park




**Drones are not allowed** in North Cascades National Park.









### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit from park administration
- Remote wilderness and grizzly bear recovery habitat make drone bans especially important





### Source
- North Cascades NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Stephen Mather Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
North Cascades National Park is located in Whatcom and
Skagit Counties, Washington, on the Canadian border.
- Total area: ~504,781 acres
- Coordinates: 48.7718° N, 121.2985° W
- Includes Cascade Pass, Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, Mount Shuksan
  (9,131 ft MSL), and ~300 glaciers
- Stephen Mather Wilderness: ~634,614 acres (includes recreation areas)
- Nearest city: Sedro-Woolley, WA (~46 miles west)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — Stephen Mather Wilderness
- International border proximity — CBP coordination required
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- CBP border zone penalties for unauthorized overflights
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Glaciological research: NPS + USGS coordination
- CBP coordination mandatory for border-adjacent operations
Submit requests to: North Cascades NP Superintendent,
810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Congaree Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Congaree National Park is located in Richland County,
South Carolina, southeast of Columbia.
- Total area: ~26,476 acres
- Coordinates: 33.7948° N, 80.7820° W
- Includes Congaree River floodplain, Weston Lake, Cedar Creek
  canoe trail, old-growth loblolly pine and bald cypress,
  and Congaree Wilderness (~11,000 acres)
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Nearest city: Columbia, SC (~20 miles northwest)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — Congaree Wilderness
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — protects
  prothonotary warblers and neotropical migrants in old-growth
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; Columbia Metropolitan Airport Class C
  ~20 miles northwest; check UASFM grid values

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- MBTA fines up to $15,000 + 6 months per bird disturbance
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Wildlife research requires USFWS MBTA Scientific Collecting Permit
- FAA LAANC check recommended for Columbia Class C proximity
Submit requests to: Congaree NP Superintendent,
100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Prohibited without written NMDCA site manager authorization
  AND Pueblo de Jemez tribal coordination
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Requires NMDCA State Monument permit + Pueblo de
  Jemez tribal authorization + FAA Part 107 certification
- Tribal Layer: ⚠️ Pueblo de Jemez — direct cultural affiliation and
  ongoing tribal authority over Giusewa Pueblo landscape; tribal
  sovereignty applies to aerial access over ancestral homelands
- Historic Layer: ⚠️ NHPA + ARPA — mission ruins and Pueblo period
  deposits listed on National Register of Historic Places

## Geographic Boundaries
Jemez Historic Site is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, administered
by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs — Monument Division.
- Total area: ~7 acres (developed site); surrounded by Jemez Springs
  community and Pueblo de Jemez traditional use lands
- Coordinates: 35.7758° N, 106.6908° W
- Nearest city: Jemez Springs, NM (immediately adjacent)
- Terrain: Jemez River canyon, volcanic tuff formations, ruins of
  Giusewa Pueblo (Towa-speaking Jemez people, ~1300–1630 CE) and
  San José de los Jémez Spanish Franciscan mission (1621–1630)
- Pueblo de Jemez (Walatowa) — the only remaining Towa-speaking Pueblo;
  Giusewa was a primary ancestral village; active tribal cultural
  affiliation and ceremonial relationship with site
- Listed on National Register of Historic Places
- Adjacent to Jemez State Monument management zone and broader Jemez
  Mountains cultural landscape under Pueblo de Jemez tribal monitoring
- Airspace: Class E above 700 ft AGL; surface Class G

## Regulations
- New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 4.10.2 — State Monument rules
  prohibit drone operations without written site manager authorization
- New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs UAS Policy — no drone launches,
  landings, or overflights of state monument properties without permit
- Pueblo de Jemez tribal sovereignty — Giusewa Pueblo is an ancestral
  village of the Pueblo de Jemez; tribal government asserts cultural
  authority over aerial access to ancestral landscape
- National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 300101) — National
  Register listing; Section 106 consultation required for any commercial
  operation affecting historic property integrity
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 470aa) —
  subsurface Pueblo period and Spanish colonial archaeological deposits;
  drone vibration near mission wall fabric constitutes potential disturbance
- American Indian Religious Freedom Act (42 U.S.C. § 1996) — Giusewa
  retains active ceremonial significance to Pueblo de Jemez; aerial
  intrusion during ceremonial periods violates AIRFA protections
- Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. § 3001)
  — ancestral human remains and funerary objects present in site deposits
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide

## Penalties
- NMDCA State Monument fines under NMAC 4.10.2: up to $1,000 per
  violation + removal from site
- Pueblo de Jemez tribal court penalties for sovereignty and ancestral
  landscape violations
- NHPA civil penalties for damage to National Register property fabric
- ARPA violations: fines up to $20,000 + 2 years imprisonment
- NAGPRA violations: federal criminal prosecution
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day (commercial ops)
- Criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 32 for willful violations

## Special Permissions
- Written authorization required from Jemez Historic Site manager
- Pueblo de Jemez Governor's Office coordination required before any
  permit application is submitted — tribal consultation is mandatory,
  not optional, given direct ancestral affiliation
- NHPA Section 106 review required for any commercial film or research
  operation affecting mission ruins or Pueblo structures
- ARPA federal research permit required for any subsurface documentation
- NAGPRA tribal consultation required before any operation near
  known burial areas
- Operations during Pueblo de Jemez ceremonial calendar dates will
  not be permitted under any circumstances
Submit requests to: Jemez Historic Site Manager,
18160 NM-4, Jemez Springs, NM 87025
Pueblo de Jemez Governor's Office:
PO Box 100, Jemez Pueblo, NM 87024

##
This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of uncrewed aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park boundary. The policy memorandum does not modify any requirement imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on the use or operation of uncrewed aircraft in the National Airspace System.





























 
https://www.nps.gov/articles/uncrewed-aircraft-in-the-national-parks.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Great Sand Dunes Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in Alamosa and
Saguache Counties, Colorado, in the San Luis Valley.
- Total area: ~107,342 acres (park) + ~41,686 acres (preserve)
- Coordinates: 37.7430° N, 105.5114° W
- Includes Star Dune (750 ft — tallest dune in North America),
  Medano Creek, Medano Pass Primitive Road, and
  Sangre de Cristo Wilderness
- Adjacent to Baca National Wildlife Refuge
- Nearest city: Alamosa, CO (~35 miles south)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — Great Sand Dunes Wilderness
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000
  (Pub. L. 106-530) — specific enabling legislation
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Scientific research with NPS-approved research permit
- Preserve unit: coordinate with BLM for non-NPS areas
Submit requests to: Great Sand Dunes NP Superintendent,
11999 State Highway 150, Mosca, CO 81146

## Drone Rules - Lassen Volcanic National Park




**Drones are not allowed** in Lassen Volcanic National Park.










### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit
- Active hydrothermal features and wilderness areas require strict protection






### Source
- Lassen NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Lassen Volcanic Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Shasta, Plumas,
and Tehama Counties, California, in the southern Cascade Range.
- Total area: ~106,372 acres
- Coordinates: 40.4977° N, 121.4207° W
- Includes Lassen Peak (10,457 ft MSL — southernmost active volcano
  in Cascades), Bumpass Hell hydrothermal area, Manzanita Lake,
  Chaos Crags, and Cinder Cone
- Lassen Volcanic Wilderness: ~78,982 acres
- Nearest city: Redding, CA (~50 miles west)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- Geothermal feature protection — hydrothermal areas designated
  as sensitive zones with additional NPS operational restrictions
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace over park

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Geothermal research requires additional NPS scientific review
- Volcanological research: NPS + USGS coordination
Submit requests to: Lassen Volcanic NP Superintendent,
PO Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063

## Drone Rules - Lake Clark National Park




**Drones are not permitted** in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.











### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- Brown bears, beluga whales in Cook Inlet, and volcano-dotted wilderness make this a sensitive no-fly zone







### Source
- Lake Clark NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/lacl/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Lake Clark Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Lake Clark National Park is located in the Alaska Range and
Aleutian Range, Kenai Peninsula Borough and Lake and Peninsula
Borough, Alaska.
- Total area: ~2,619,733 acres
- Coordinates: 60.4126° N, 153.5532° W
- Includes Mount Redoubt (active volcano, 10,197 ft MSL),
  Mount Iliamna (active volcano, 10,016 ft MSL), Lake Clark,
  Tlikakila Wild & Scenic River, and brown bear viewing coast
- No roads connect to outside; bush plane only
- Nearest city: Anchorage, AK (~180 miles northeast)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- ANILCA (16 U.S.C. § 3101) — Alaska subsistence provisions
- Active volcano TFR zones: 14 CFR § 91.137 — FAA issues
  TFRs around Mount Redoubt during eruption activity
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; Anchorage Class C TMA ~180 miles east

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- TFR violation: FAA civil penalties up to $27,500/day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- Active volcano TFR coordination with FAA mandatory
- ANILCA subsistence research requires tribal coordination
Submit requests to: Lake Clark NP Superintendent,
240 W 5th Ave, Suite 236, Anchorage, AK 99501

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without USFWS Special Use Permit
- Wildlife Layer: ⚠️ MBTA + BGEPA active — 25,000+ peak migration;
  wintering bald eagle concentration
- Proximity Note: ⚠️ Fort Union National Monument ~25 miles northeast —
  verify permit coordination if operating near refuge-monument corridor

## Geographic Boundaries
Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge is located in San Miguel County,
New Mexico, administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
- Total area: ~8,672 acres
- Coordinates: 35.5700° N, 105.2100° W
- Nearest city: Las Vegas, NM (~4 miles southeast)
- Terrain: three managed marsh impoundments, Gallinas River floodplain,
  shortgrass prairie uplands, riparian cottonwood corridors, farmland
- Peak waterfowl: 25,000+ ducks and geese during fall migration
  (September–November); snow geese, pintail, mallard, teal dominant
- Sandhill crane staging: 3,000–5,000 birds October–November
- Wintering bald eagle: 10–20 individuals documented December–February
- Ferruginous hawk and prairie falcon winter presence documented
- Lesser prairie chicken (ESA threatened) — occasional upland sightings
  on eastern refuge units
- Airspace: Class E above 700 ft AGL; surface Class G within refuge

## Regulations
- 50 CFR § 27.34 — Prohibits use of aircraft and drones within
  National Wildlife Refuges
- USFWS UAS Policy — blanket prohibition on all unmanned aircraft
  within refuge boundaries
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — 25,000+ waterfowl;
  shorebird and raptor migration; drone harassment = federal offense
- Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 668) — wintering
  bald eagle and golden eagle; any disturbance = federal violation
- Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. § 1531) Section 9 — lesser prairie
  chicken occasional presence; ESA Section 9 take prohibition applies
  during March–June lekking season on upland units
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish NMAC 19.31 — concurrent state
  wildlife harassment layer
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide

## Penalties
- USFWS fines up to $5,000 per violation under 50 CFR § 27.34
- MBTA criminal penalties: fines up to $15,000 + 6 months imprisonment
  per disturbance incident
- BGEPA violations: fines up to $100,000 + 2 years imprisonment
  (second offense) for eagle disturbance
- ESA Section 9 (lesser prairie chicken): civil penalties up to $25,000;
  criminal penalties up to $50,000 + 1 year imprisonment
- NMDGF harassment: up to $1,000 per violation under NMAC 19.31
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. § 32 for willful violations
- Equipment confiscation by USFWS refuge officers

## Special Permissions
- USFWS Special Use Permit required; ESA Section 7 biological assessment
  required for upland unit permits during March–June
- MBTA scientific banding/research permit required for waterfowl
  or raptor survey operations
- All permitted operations must be coordinated with refuge biologist
  to avoid eagle disturbance windows (December–February)
Submit requests to: Las Vegas NWR Refuge Manager,
Route 1 Box 399, Las Vegas, NM 87701

## Drone Rules - Kobuk Valley National Park




**Drone flights are banned** in Kobuk Valley National Park.










### Key Rules
- No recreational drone use within the park
- Commercial filming requires a Special Use Permit from NPS
- Western Arctic caribou herd migration and Great Kobuk Sand Dunes require protection






### Source
- NPS UAS Policy: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/sound/uas.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Kobuk Valley Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Kobuk Valley National Park is located in the Kobuk Valley,
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska, above the Arctic Circle.
- Total area: ~1,750,717 acres
- Coordinates: 67.3558° N, 159.1239° W
- Includes Great Kobuk Sand Dunes (25 sq miles — largest active
  sand dunes in Arctic), Kobuk River (Wild & Scenic),
  and Western Arctic caribou migration corridor (~490,000 animals)
- No roads access; bush plane or riverboat only
- Nearest city: Kotzebue, AK (~75 miles southwest)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- ANILCA (16 U.S.C. § 3101) — subsistence rights of local communities
- Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. § 1271) — Kobuk River
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G; no controlled airspace

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- ANILCA subsistence research requires tribal coordination
- WSR corridor operations require additional review
Submit requests to: Kobuk Valley NP Superintendent,
171 3rd Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752

## Drone Rules - Gates of the Arctic National Park




**Drone use is prohibited** in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.









### Key Rules
- No recreational drone flights within the park
- Commercial use requires a Special Use Permit
- The northernmost US national park protects vast Arctic wilderness above the Arctic Circle





### Source
- Gates of the Arctic NPS Rules: https://www.nps.gov/gaar/planyourvisit/rules.htm

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Not allowed without NPS Special Use Permit
- Wilderness: ❌ Gates of the Arctic Wilderness absolute motorized ban

## Geographic Boundaries
Gates of the Arctic National Park is located entirely above the
Arctic Circle in the Brooks Range, Alaska.
- Total area: ~8,472,506 acres
- Coordinates: 67.7456° N, 153.2924° W
- Includes Frigid Crags, Boreal Mountain, Alatna River,
  North Fork Koyukuk River, and six Wild & Scenic Rivers
- No roads, no trails, no visitor facilities of any kind
- Nearest city: Bettles, AK (~5 miles south, pop. ~12)

## Regulations
- NPS Management Policies § 8.2.2 prohibits UAS in all NPS units
- 36 CFR § 1.5 — Superintendent's closure authority
- 36 CFR § 2.17(a)(3) — Prohibits air delivery/retrieval within park
- Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. § 1131) — absolute motorized ban
- ANILCA (16 U.S.C. § 3101) — Alaska-specific subsistence provisions
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs commercial operations nationwide
- Airspace: Class G throughout; no controlled airspace

## Penalties
- NPS fines up to $5,000 per violation
- Wilderness Act: fines up to $5,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day
- Equipment confiscation by park rangers

## Special Permissions
- NPS Special Use Permit required
- ANILCA subsistence research requires tribal coordination
- All access by small bush plane only; self-sufficiency mandatory
Submit requests to: Gates of the Arctic NP Superintendent,
101 Dunkel St, Suite 110, Fairbanks, AK 99701

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Prohibited without written authorization — dual-state
  jurisdiction (New Mexico EMNRD + Colorado Parks and Wildlife)
- Commercial (Part 107): ❌ Requires EMNRD permit (NM portion) + CPW permit
  (CO portion) + FAA Part 107 certification
- Historic Layer: ⚠️ NHPA National Register listing — Sugarite Coal Camp
  Historic District; 1908–1941 mining era structures and deposits
- Dual-State Layer: ⚠️ Park straddles NM/CO state line — simultaneous
  compliance with both states' UAS and wildlife statutes required

## Geographic Boundaries
Sugarite Canyon State Park is located in Colfax County, New Mexico, and
Las Animas County, Colorado, administered by NM EMNRD State Parks Division
(primary) with Colorado portions under CPW jurisdiction.
- Total area: ~3,600 acres
- Coordinates: 36.9100° N, 104.3900° W (park headquarters)
- Nearest city: Raton, NM (~10 miles southwest)
- Terrain: volcanic mesa canyon, Lake Maloya and Lake Alice impoundments,
  ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest, Raton Mesa escarpment
- Sugarite Coal Camp Historic District — ruins of company town (1908–1941)
  including mine portals, coke ovens, foundations, and tramway infrastructure
- Listed on National Register of Historic Places
- Colorado state line bisects upper park area; Lake Alice partially in Colorado
- Black bear, mule deer, wild turkey active throughout park
- Airspace: Class E above 700 ft AGL; surface Class G

## Regulations
- New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 19.6.1 — State Park rules prohibit
  drone operations without written park manager authorization (NM portion)
- Colorado Revised Statutes C.R.S. § 33-1-121 — Colorado Parks and Wildlife
  prohibits drone harassment of wildlife (CO portion)
- Colorado UAS statute C.R.S. § 18-9-202 — trespass and privacy provisions
  apply to Colorado park lands
- National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. § 300101) — Sugarite Coal
  Camp Historic District; drone rotor vibration near surviving masonry
  structures constitutes NHPA preservation threat
- Archaeological Resources Protection Act (16 U.S.C. § 470aa) — subsurface
  mining-era archaeological deposits on federal/state land portions
- New Mexico Department of Game and Fish NMAC 19.31 — wildlife harassment
  prohibition (NM portion)
- Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. § 703) — migratory raptors and
  songbirds throughout canyon habitat
- FAA 14 CFR Part 107 governs all commercial UAS operations nationwide

## Penalties
- NM EMNRD State Parks: up to $500 per violation under NMAC 19.6.1
- Colorado CPW: up to $1,000 per violation under C.R.S. § 33-1-121
- Colorado trespass: civil + criminal charges under C.R.S. § 18-4-504
- NHPA civil penalties for damage to National Register historic district fabric
- ARPA violations: fines up to $20,000 + 2 years imprisonment
- NMDGF harassment: up to $1,000 per violation under NMAC 19.31
- MBTA criminal penalties: fines up to $15,000 + 6 months imprisonment
- FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation per day (commercial ops)

## Special Permissions
- Written authorization required from Sugarite Canyon State Park manager
  for New Mexico portions
- Separate Colorado Parks and Wildlife authorization required for
  operations over Colorado portions (Lake Alice area)
- NHPA Section 106 review recommended for any commercial film work
  involving Coal Camp Historic District structures
- ARPA federal research permit required if archaeological deposit
  documentation is intended
Submit requests to: Sugarite Canyon State Park Manager,
HCR 63 Box 386, Raton, NM 87740
Colorado Parks and Wildlife — Southeast Region:
2126 N. Weber Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire site including earth lodges, trails, and protected areas.

## Regulations
- NPS drone prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Park enforcement

## Special Permissions
Only with written approval.

Congonhas Airport (SBSP), managed by Aena Brasil, is one of the busiest and most structurally sensitive airports in Latin America. Located directly in the heart of São Paulo's dense urban core, it handles a continuous stream of commercial passenger jets and intensive executive aviation, including a high volume of low-altitude helicopter traffic along surrounding urban corridors.


















































































Because aircraft descend and climb at extremely low altitudes directly over highly populated residential neighborhoods, skyscrapers, and major avenues (such as Av. Washington Luís and Av. Bandeirantes), any uncoordinated drone activity poses an immediate, catastrophic threat to aviation safety and thousands of people on the ground. Spontaneous or recreational drone flights anywhere within the airport perimeter, its active traffic circuits, or its tightly constrained approach funnels are completely banned under federal law (Brazilian Penal Code, Art. 261).

Regulatory Authorities: DECEA, ANAC, and Aena Brasil.

Primary Framework: ICA 100-40 (DECEA) and Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code.





Flight Planning Portal: High-security airspace boundaries, strict mandatory geofencing grids, and operational authorizations are managed via SARPAS NG and Aisweb.

# Aeroporto de Congonhas (CGH / SBSP)

## State
São Paulo (SP)

## Municipality
São Paulo

══════════════════════════════════

## Recreational Drone Flight Status

❌ RECREATIONAL FLIGHTS PROHIBITED WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION

Unauthorized recreational drone flights near airport operational sectors are prohibited.

This restriction applies to:
- Recreational drone flights
- FPV operations
- Tourist aerial filming
- Low-altitude UAV activity

══════════════════════════════════

## Why Drone Flights Are Restricted

### Controlled Urban Airspace
Congonhas Airport operates within:
- Dense metropolitan airspace
- High-frequency commercial traffic
- Helicopter corridor networks
- Instrument approach/departure procedures

### Aviation Safety Risks
Unauthorized drone operations may create:
- Collision risks with aircraft
- Interference during landing/takeoff
- Hazards to helicopter operations
- Air traffic disruptions

══════════════════════════════════

## Main Restricted Areas

Restrictions affect:

❌ Runway approach corridors  
❌ Departure procedure sectors  
❌ Airport perimeter zones  
❌ Helicopter operational routes  
❌ Controlled low-altitude airspace  
❌ Dense urban aviation sectors  

══════════════════════════════════

## Commercial / Professional Drone Operations

⚠ PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED

Professional drone operations near the airport may require:
- DECEA authorization
- Airport operational coordination
- Risk mitigation documentation
- Full ANAC compliance

══════════════════════════════════

## Applicable Regulations

Drone operations are regulated under:

- DECEA ICA 100-40
- ANAC RBAC-E No. 94
- Brazilian Aeronautical Code
- Controlled airspace procedures

### Possible Infractions
Unauthorized operations may involve:
- Controlled airspace violations
- Aviation safety infractions
- Operational interference risks
- Administrative penalties

══════════════════════════════════

## Enforcement & Penalties

Possible consequences include:
- Immediate operational interruption
- Administrative fines
- Equipment seizure
- Investigation by aviation authorities

### Supervising Authorities
- DECEA
- ANAC
- Airport authorities
- Federal Police

Guarulhos – Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport (SBGR) is the primary international hub in South America and the busiest airport in Brazil. Handling a massive volume of wide-body international airliners and domestic flights across its parallel runways, aircraft are constantly descending and ascending at low altitudes over Guarulhos, São Paulo's East Zone, and surrounding municipalities.
































































































Because of the extreme density of commercial air traffic, the safety margins here are zero. The airspace is heavily protected under international and federal aviation laws. Spontaneous, recreational, or standard commercial drone operations are completely blocked within this airport's perimeter and its active approach funnels. Violating this airspace carries severe criminal penalties under the Brazilian Penal Code (Article 261 - exposing an aircraft to danger).





Regulatory Authorities: DECEA (Department of Airspace Control) and ANAC (National Civil Aviation Agency).

Primary Framework: Brazilian Air Force Command Instruction ICA 100-40 (Access to Airspace by Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and Brazilian Penal Code (Art. 261).

Flight Planning Portal: Real-time restriction parameters, official airport coordinates, and specialized NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) filings are managed via DECEA's SARPAS NG and Aisweb portals.

# Aeroporto Internacional de Guarulhos (GRU / SBGR)

## State
São Paulo (SP)

## Municipality
Guarulhos

══════════════════════════════════

## Recreational Drone Flight Status

❌ RECREATIONAL FLIGHTS PROHIBITED WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION

Drone flights near the airport are subject to strict controlled airspace restrictions.

Unauthorized recreational drone operations are prohibited within controlled operational zones surrounding the airport.

This applies to:
- Recreational drone flights
- FPV operations
- Tourist aerial filming
- Low-altitude UAV operations

══════════════════════════════════

## Why Drone Flights Are Restricted

### Controlled Airspace Protection
GRU is one of the busiest airports in Brazil and contains:
- High-density commercial air traffic
- Instrument approach procedures
- Departure and arrival corridors
- Continuous aircraft operations

### Aviation Safety Risks
Unauthorized drone activity may create:
- Collision risks with aircraft
- Interference during takeoff/landing
- Emergency aviation hazards
- Air traffic operational disruptions

══════════════════════════════════

## Main Restricted Areas

Restrictions affect areas including:

❌ Runway approach sectors  
❌ Departure corridors  
❌ Airport perimeter zones  
❌ Instrument flight procedure regions  
❌ Low-altitude controlled airspace  
❌ Helicopter operational sectors  

══════════════════════════════════

## Commercial / Professional Drone Operations

⚠ PRIOR AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED

Professional drone operations near the airport may require:
- DECEA authorization
- Airport authority coordination
- Operational risk assessment
- Full ANAC compliance

Authorization requests are evaluated case-by-case.

══════════════════════════════════

## Applicable Regulations

Drone operations are regulated under:

- DECEA ICA 100-40
- ANAC RBAC-E No. 94
- Brazilian Aeronautical Code
- Controlled airspace regulations

### Possible Infractions
Unauthorized operations may involve:
- Airspace violations
- Aviation safety infractions
- Operational interference risks
- Administrative aviation penalties

══════════════════════════════════

## Enforcement & Penalties

Possible consequences include:
- Immediate flight interruption
- Administrative fines
- Equipment seizure
- Investigation by aviation authorities

### Supervising Authorities
- DECEA
- ANAC
- Federal Police
- Airport security authorities

══════════════════════════════════

## Pilot Operational Guidance

✔ Always verify SARPAS authorization status  
✔ Avoid controlled approach sectors  
✔ Never fly near runways  
✔ Follow official NOTAM and airspace restrictions  
✔ Obtain approval before any professional operation

# Protected Operational Coverage





## Main Restricted Areas
- Água Mineral recreation sector
- Santa Maria reservoir surroundings
- Cerrado preservation corridors
- Wildlife monitoring zones
- Visitor trail systems
- Ecological restoration areas



## Administrative Coverage
Located within the Federal District (Distrito Federal), near Brasília urban and governmental sectors.











## Sensitive Environmental Features
- Native Cerrado biome
- Protected fauna habitats
- Water resource protection sectors
- Fire prevention monitoring areas




---

# Aviation Sensitivity Factors

### Controlled Airspace Considerations
Due to proximity to Brasília airspace infrastructure, operators must evaluate:
- Nearby controlled aviation corridors
- Government aviation routes
- Low-altitude operational restrictions
- DECEA authorization requirements

### Technical Flight Risks
- RF signal interference in urban-adjacent sectors
- Wildlife disturbance
- Visitor concentration risks
- Seasonal wildfire operations

---

# Regulatory Framework

Applicable legal references include:

- Law 9.985/2000 (SNUC)
- Federal Law 9.605/1998
- Federal Decree 6.514/2008
- ICMBio environmental regulations
- DECEA ICA 100-40
- ANAC RBAC-E No. 94

### Potential Operational Violations
Unauthorized drone activity may involve:
- Environmental infractions
- Unsafe operation near visitors
- Unauthorized aerial imaging
- Interference with controlled airspace procedures

---

# Enforcement & Sanctions

Possible penalties include:

✔ Administrative environmental fines  
✔ Immediate operational interruption  
✔ Equipment seizure  
✔ Removal from protected sectors  
✔ Environmental enforcement proceedings  

### Responsible Authorities
- ICMBio
- IBAMA
- Federal District environmental agencies
- Brazilian aviation authorities

---

# Exceptional Authorization Workflow

Professional operators should:

- Submit formal operational request to ICMBio
- Present technical flight planning documentation
- Obtain DECEA/SARPAS approval if necessary
- Demonstrate ANAC compliance
- Respect ecological preservation protocols

## Temporary Restriction Intensification
Additional controls may occur during:
- Wildfire prevention operations
- Environmental monitoring campaigns
- High visitor periods
- Government security activities near Brasília airspace

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Proibido
- Comercial/Científico: ❌ Somente com autorização ICMBio + DECEA
- Espaço aéreo BSB: ⚠️ TMA Brasília Classe C — autorização ATC obrigatória
- Zona de segurança nacional: ⚠️ Capital federal — restrições ANAC especiais

## Geographic Boundaries
Parque Nacional de Brasília está localizado no Distrito Federal,
a noroeste do Plano Piloto de Brasília.
- Área total: ~42.389 hectares
- Coordenadas: 15.7333° S, 48.0000° W
- Inclui piscinas naturais (Água Mineral), córrego Bananal,
  vereda do Acampamento, cerrado típico, galeria e mata ciliar
- Totalmente inserido no TMA Brasília (Classe C)
- A ~15 km do Aeroporto Internacional de Brasília (SBBR)

## Regulations
- Lei n.º 9.985/2000 Art. 2º e 8º — Proteção Integral
- Lei n.º 9.605/1998 Art. 40 — crime dano a UC
- Portaria ICMBio n.º 887/2021 Art. 3º — proíbe RPA em UCs
- RBAC-E n.º 94 Emenda 01 (ANAC) — operação de RPA no Brasil
- ICA 100-40 Rev. B (DECEA) — integração RPA espaço aéreo
- Portaria ANAC n.º 1.380/2016 — restrições especiais de
  espaço aéreo na região de Brasília (capital federal);
  todas as operações de RPA no TMA BSB requerem autorização
  prévia do DECEA/APP-BSB independentemente da altitude
- RBAC 91 Emenda 11 (ANAC) — regras gerais de navegação
  aérea; Classe C requer autorização ATC para qualquer voo

## Penalties
- ICMBio: multas de R$ 500 a R$ 50.000.000 (Decreto 6.514/2008)
- Crime ambiental: reclusão de 1 a 5 anos (Art. 40 Lei 9.605/98)
- Violação TMA Classe C sem autorização ATC: infração grave
  ANAC — multa até R$ 50.000 + suspensão de licença
- Operação em zona de segurança nacional não autorizada:
  encaminhamento à Polícia Federal
- Apreensão do equipamento por ICMBio e/ou FAB

## Special Permissions
- Autorização ICMBio via SISBIO obrigatória
- Autorização DECEA via SARPAS obrigatória
- Coordenação com APP-BSB (TMA Classe C) obrigatória
- Filmagem institucional: Portaria ICMBio n.º 887/2021 Art. 5º
Submit requests to: ICMBio — Parque Nacional de Brasília,
Via EPIA s/n, Brasília, DF, CEP 70635-400

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire site including historic internment camp areas, trails, and protected lands.

## Regulations
- NPS unmanned aircraft prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5
- FAA Part 107

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Removal from site

## Special Permissions
Only with written authorization.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire park including plantations, trails, and protected areas.

## Regulations
- NPS drone ban
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Park enforcement

## Special Permissions
Only with written approval.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire monument including historic house and grounds.

## Regulations
- NPS drone prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Enforcement

## Special Permissions
Only with authorization.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire memorial area including historic farm and trails.

## Regulations
- NPS drone ban
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Enforcement actions

## Special Permissions
Only with written approval.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire site including historic buildings and grounds.

## Regulations
- NPS drone prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Park enforcement

## Special Permissions
Only allowed with written authorization.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire monument including trails, museum, and protected areas.

## Regulations
- NPS drone prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Enforcement action

## Special Permissions
Only with authorization.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire monument area including mounds, trails, and protected lands.

## Regulations
- NPS unmanned aircraft prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5
- FAA Part 107

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Removal from park

## Special Permissions
Only with written authorization.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ 100% Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire historic site including trails, ruins, and protected lands.

## Regulations
- National Park Service drone prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Removal from site

## Special Permissions
Only with written authorization.

## Authorization Status
- Recreational: ❌ Banned
- Commercial: ❌ Prohibited

## Geographic Boundaries
Entire site including trading post, grounds, and protected areas.

## Regulations
- NPS drone prohibition
- 36 CFR §1.5

## Penalties
- Federal fines
- Enforcement actions

## Special Permissions
Only allowed with authorization.