FAA to Restrict Drone Flights Over 133 U.S. Military Facilities Starting April 14

Citing national security, the Federal Aviation Administration will restrict unauthorized drone flights over 133 military facilities in the U.S. starting April 14, the agency said in a Friday news release. "This is the first time the agency has instituted airspace restrictions that specifically apply" to drones, which can fly only "up to 400 feet within the lateral boundaries" of the military facilities, the FAA said. The restrictions have a few exceptions and violators may be subject to civil penalties or criminal charges, the agency said. It created an interactive online map that shows the restrictions, which will be also available on its mobile app. The agency said Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao is evaluating options to implement a process that will accept petitions to bar or restrict drone flights over critical infrastructure and other facilities.