Video Message Goes Out Prior To July 4th Festivities

One of the most spectacular UAV shots that hit the Internet last year was a video of fireworks captured using a quadcopter flying through the display. And while you may be able to capture similar images at your local July 4 celebration, don't try it at the National Mall in Washington, DC ... or pretty much anywhere else in the area.

The FAA has issued an advisory to residents of and visitors to the D.C. area that the city and surrounding communities are a “No Drone Zone.”

The prohibition against flying any type of unmanned aircraft, or “drone,” without specific approval includes the District of Columbia and cities and towns within a 15-mile radius of Ronald-Reagan Washington National Airport.

The FAA is conducting the “No Drone Zone” campaign so visitors and residents thoroughly understand that operating an unmanned aircraft in this area for any purpose is against the law.

The airspace around Washington, D.C. is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish “national defense airspace” over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration authorization. Violators face stiff fines and criminal penalties.

So if you’re in the Washington, DC area for the Fourth, enjoy the holiday. But leave your drone at home.

(FAA Image)

FMI: FAA Video