The U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Aviation Administration has issued a proposed rule allowing operators of critical infrastructure sites to apply for drone flight restrictions around their facilities. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the measure, which supports President Trumps Executive Order on Restoring Airspace Sovereignty.
The rule targets 16 sectors, including energy production, transportation systems, chemical facilities, water treatment plants, dams, nuclear reactors, defense industrial bases, and others such as communications, critical manufacturing, emergency services, financial services, food and agriculture, government facilities, healthcare, information technology, and water systems. Applications will be submitted through a new FAA web portal and approved based on criteria related to aviation safety, protection of people and property, national security, or homeland security.
Two restriction types are defined: a Standard Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restriction that bars operations except for pre-approved operators meeting safety standards, and a Special Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restriction that prohibits all flights without prior FAA and sponsoring agency approval, such as from the Department of Homeland Security. Restricted areas will have precise horizontal and vertical boundaries.
Site operators can notify law enforcement of violations, enabling use of Remote ID to identify operators. Penalties for pilots include license actions, fines, and criminal charges. The public comment period runs until July 5, 2026.