JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM -- One of the more popular gifts this past holiday season was the drone, also known as a personal model aircraft. (PMA) Drones provide the respective pilot numerous capabilities, including photo and video recording. Airmen and Sailors alike on JBPHH have indulged in the thrill of flight, but now have a new set of rules to abide by.
The new policy, which was originally outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration and signed locally by JBPHH Commander Stanley Keeve, Jr., became effective on May 5.
The policy includes new regulations outlining do’s and don’ts of personal model aircraft usage, including:
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Personal model aircraft must be flown at altitudes below 400ft above ground level and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
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Must be electric or gas powered and constructed primarily of lightweight materials (e.g., plastic, wood, canvas, paper or foam)
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Must not weigh in excess of 55-pounds (25kg)
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Must be operated during daylight hours
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Must be flown in approved areas / locations that do not interfere with the operations, safety or security of personnel, facilities, and/or resources
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Must be operated in a manner that gives way to and does not interfere with any manned or unmanned aircraft operations
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Must not be flown within five statute miles (4.4 nautical miles) of the airfield without prior notification to the airfield control tower
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Personal model aircraft cannot be flown for payment or commercial purposes
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Personal model aircraft cannot be outfitted with any type of audio or visual recording devices
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Cannot be used in conditions where wind exceeds 15 knots (17 mph)
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Use is prohibited during force condition protection (FPCON) Bravo or higher
Before applying for local permission for their PMA’s, servicemembers must first register with the FAA. Once approved, the process to approve a PMA on JBPHH can begin.
According to the policy, all personnel subject to the UCMJ, regardless of status, (this includes all servicemembers) may be subject to federal punishment, including imprisonment, for violating the rules defined by the policy.
“The policy was established in response to the growing popularity of MPAs and several events, not necessarily within our command, that have happened,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy Isaac, Headquarters PACAF/A4S Security Forces operations superintendent. “Not only does the policy prevent potential flight safety hazards, it helps us maintain security of our resources, given the recording capability of most current MPAs.”
Isaac advised drone users to closely follow the instructions and rules, and said there have been numerous incidents in the news where ‘flying a toy’ turned into something more nefarious.
One example is when a popular chain-restaurant built a “mobile mistletoe” drone to hover near diners, which ended up crashing into a photographer’s face and slicing their nose open at a location in New York City.
In addition to the risk during personal use, drones can pose a very real threat to air traffic if it flies near the path of an airliner. In July 2015, this potential scenario almost became reality when an Airbus A320 aircraft avoided a drone flying at an altitude of 700-feet at London Heathrow Airport.
Isaac stated he believes the policy is extremely beneficial for JBPHH and aircraft flying in and out of Honolulu International Airport, and said the policy ensures flight safety of JBPHH assets, personnel and maintains an unparalleled force protection posture.
“As long as our base residents follow the guidance, there should not be any issue,” he said. “I would encourage drone hobbyists and enthusiasts to do their homework and familiarize themselves with FAA guidance as well as local operating instructions to ensure that they operate them in a safe and enjoyable manner.”
For more information regarding drone usage, visit the following webpage; http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/. To read the signed local policy, visit the following link: http://www.cnic.navy.mil/content/dam/cnic/cnrh/pdfs/Joint%20Base%20Pearl%20Harbor-Hickam/5000/JBPHHINST%205582.1%20PERSONAL%20MODEL%20AIRCRAFT.PDF. For information regarding local policy, contact Master Sgt. LaMarcus Williams at 449-0514.