(March 8, 2016 – San Bernardino, CA) As aviation continues to grow and evolve, drones and other Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) will inevitably play an increasingly important role in the industry. As such, SBD International Airport would like UAS operators to become familiar with the FAA’s new rules and regulations that include limitations for operating UAS near airports.
The FAA defines any UAS weighing more than a ½ pound as an aircraft which includes: drones, UAVs, model aircraft, and the like. The FAA has been working toward integrating this new technology within the airspace under its control – which includes outdoor airspace above 1” off the ground.
The FAA and airport operators have been working with communities and UAS operators to spread the word about the new rules and resources available to keep the skies safe for everyone. Airport control towers around the country, including SBD, manage certain airspace around airports on behalf of the FAA and play a vital role in air traffic safety.
SBD International Airport is doing its part to help educate the surrounding community by adding content to its website to help hobbyists understand the rules to safely operate UAS around certain areas of the airport, including “NO-FLY ZONES.” The Airport has made these resources available, including links to FAA documents, information about “dos and don’ts” of recreational UAS operation, and a map to help UAS operators comply with the FAA’s new rules. This information can be found at https://www.sbdairport.com/drone_information. Additionally, the control tower at SBD will be coordinating with UAS operators to ensure that UAS activities are conducted at a safe distance from other aircraft operating around the Airport. UAS operators should contact the Airport’s control tower at 909-382-0305 to coordinate drone activities within 5 miles of the airport prior to launching their aircraft.
According to Mark Gibbs, Director of Aviation at SBD International Airport, providing the community with valuable information about how to safely operate UAS is as much about fostering a love for aviation as it is about ensuring pilots of all aircraft types are flying safely and responsibly. “Flying this new technology (UAS) comes with as much responsibility as piloting a manned aircraft,” says Mr. Gibbs. “Before flying any UAS, it is important for operators to understand the latest FAA rules designed to keep the skies over our community safe, as well as their legal responsibilities.”
About SBD International Airport: Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, the former Norton Air Force Base was converted to civilian use in 1992 and later became certified as a commercial airport by the FAA. The Airport offers a full range of services and facilities to aviation in the Southern California region, including the best-in-class FBO, Luxivair SBD, air cargo services, and four maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses. The Airport is positioning itself to provide domestic and international passenger service. www.sbdairport.com
For more information, contact:
Mark Gibbs
Director of Aviation
(909) 382-4100 Ext. 131
Fax: (909) 382-4106
mgibbs@sbdairport.com
