Recreational Drone Empowerment Act

This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace.

Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization.

The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors.

The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is

• above Class G airspace; or
• designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area.