MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The recreational use of Unmanned Aerial Systems, also known as drones, have been suspended on Maxwell until further notice.
Aircraft that fall under the definition of an UAS include, but are not limited to, quadcopter, multicomputer and model airplane.
Previously, recreational flying of these systems were allowed on base within designated areas.
There were two designated flying areas, one located on Maxwell and the other of Gunter Annex, however, the approval to fly in these areas was rescinded due to a decision made by the Federal Aviation Administration.
There is currently a Temporary Flight Restriction over Maxwell, in which prohibits certain aircraft from flying within the area.
According to Capt. Vincent Miranda, 42nd Operations Support Squadron airfield operations flight commander, the Department of Defense and the FAA are working together to refine the rules to allow the use of recreational UAS within the established TFR.
Once a decision has been made on how to operate under the TFR, recreational use of UAS will once again be permitted, click here for the instructions for gaining approval to operate a UAS on base once the ban is lifted.
For more information, email 42oss.osa.drone_uas@us.af.mil.