← Back to Los Angeles General Medical Center
Drone Rules for Los Angeles General Medical Center
Los Angeles, California (ca)
• United States
2051 Marengo St, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
Lat: 34.0577 • Lng: -118.208
Air
Not fully verified
Last updated: May 24, 2026
Summary
Flight Status: Restricted. Immediate proximity to LA General Medical Center helipads. Under FAA rules and CA Penal Code § 402, drone operations must not interfere with emergency medical helicopters. Maintain strict right-of-way and a safe distance.
Emergency Medical Heliport Airspace
- Manned Aircraft Priority: Los Angeles General Medical Center operates critical, 24/7 rooftop helipads for air ambulances and law enforcement transport. Under FAA Part 107 and recreational guidelines, unmanned aircraft must yield the right-of-way to all manned aircraft immediately.
- Low-Altitude Hazards: Drone flights in this immediate buffer zone create severe hazards for low-flying emergency medical helicopters descending into or ascending from the trauma center.
Interference with Emergency Services (California Penal Code)
- Legal Penalties: In accordance with California Penal Code § 402(b), it is a misdemeanor to operate a drone or any unmanned aircraft system in a manner that impedes, delays, or interferes with emergency personnel, including medical flight crews performing their duties.
- Visual Line of Sight: Operators in the Lincoln Heights/Boyle Heights border areas must maintain strict continuous visual line of sight (VLOS) and ground their drones immediately upon hearing or seeing an approaching helicopter.