Drone operators must receive an airspace authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate within 5 miles of Martin State Airport.  Please note, this airspace authorization cannot be granted directly from the airport or the control tower.  Drone operators are highly encouraged to utilize the Low Altitude Authorization Notification Capability (LAANC) or Drone Zone https://faadronezone.faa.gov to obtain airspace authorizations.  In most cases, Part 107 and recreational operators will be granted an airspace authorization almost immediately.  Airspace authorizations can be manually processed; however, this takes a significant amount of time. 

There are two Community Based Organizations (CBO) within five miles of Martin State Airport (Sunday Flyers and Chesapeake Bay Miniature Aircraft Association) that have received an airspace authorization.  Drone operators must seek permission from the appropriate CBO before flight.

Martin State Airport has developed an Unmanned Aircraft System Facility Map (UASFM) https://faa.maps.arcgis.com that provides Part 107 and recreational operators a generous area in which to operate.  All drone operations must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA.

Drone flights above the published LAANC altitudes may be authorized after review from the control tower staff.  Please allow for 72 hours to process drone flight requests above LAANC altitudes.

The air traffic control tower does not provide separation services between drones and manned aircraft.  Operators are responsible for always maintaining visual line of sight with their drone as well as ensuring their flights do not interfere with manned aircraft.

Always review Notices to Airmen and look for Temporary Flight Restrictions  (TFR) https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr_map_ims/html/index.html  Drone flights are prohibited when a TFR is active.

For more information, please go to https://faadronezone.faa.gov .