HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Base officials here recently approved the installation’s 2025 Unmanned Aerial System policy for official purposes, ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulation and civilian law enforcement guidelines.
Initially implemented Sept. 14, 2017, the installation’s drone policy strictly prohibits operating drones for non-official purposes on any base property, except at the Fourth Cliff Recreation Area.
Staff Sgt. Steven Lucey, counter-UAS program manager for the 66th Security Forces Squadron, explained when a drone may be authorized for official purposes.
“An example of official authorized drone usage, although rare, would be military and civil engineering personnel utilizing drones for infrastructure projects, security forces testing counter-UAS programs for installation-level exercises, or public affairs filming recruiting initiatives,” said Lucey. “For non-military use, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Lincoln Laboratories conducting UAS flights for training and certification is allowable with prior authorization.”
Lucey highlighted that drone hobbyist are not authorized to operate, fly or land a drone for non-official purposes at Hanscom AFB due to security concerns.
The 2025 policy outlines the process for submitting UAS flight requests, requiring operators to seek approval at least 60 days in advance from both the FAA and 66 SFS.
If a drone operator intends to use a camera or video capability, the request must be approved by the 66 ABG Public Affairs Office by submitting a request to 66.ABG.PA.CMB@us.af.mil.
Once a drone request is authorized for official purposes, operators must comply with the following FAA guidelines:
- Fly at or below 400 feet, avoiding obstacles and buildings.
- Maintain line of sight with the drone.
- Never fly near other aircraft.
- Never fly over groups of people.
- Never fly over stadiums or sports events.
- Never fly near emergency response efforts.
- Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Understand airspace restrictions and requirements.
For additional information about the 2025 Hanscom AFB UAS policy, contact the 66th Security Forces Squadron at 781-225-5613 or hanscom.police.services@us.af.mil.