On April 16 2025, the FAA issued an updated national security advisory (NOTAM FDC 6/3366) that affects unmanned aircraft operations in proximity to certain sensitive federal facilities. Previous national security NOTAM, FDC 6/4375, focused on the same items of concern but used more restrictive language. This was briefly replaced on April 15, 2026, with FDC 6/2824, before the current FDC 6/3366 went into effect.
Under the previous advisories, unmanned aircraft were prohibited from operating within a stand-off distance of 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet vertically of covered Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and U.S. Coast Guard facilities and mobile assets, unless otherwise authorized by the FAA or relevant agencies.
As those restricted areas, particularly mobile assets, are not often publicly mapped, compliance in those areas would be extremely difficult to navigate. As the enforcement of such restrictions would also have been impractical, the FAA has reissued the NOTAM for clarity and easier compliance.
The details within FDC 6/3366 largely outline the same restrictions of operating in the vicinity of sensitive locations and potential enforcement actions for violations; however, specific stand-off distance measurements have been removed and there is no inclusion of mobile units. Additionally, the language directs users to the FAA UAS Facility Map for further national security postings and facilitating communication between the administrators of restricted areas and qualified operators seeking operational permissions.
AMA is continuing to monitor changes to these guidelines. Though the softening of language is a welcome change, members are still encouraged to exercise heightened situational awareness and caution when operating near known sensitive facilities or areas where federal activity may be present. Members are encouraged to contact amagov@modelaircraft.org if any operations are called into question.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.