FAA Class B airspace surrounds Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Recreational drone flight within 5 nautical miles of RDU requires LAANC authorization via the FAA's B4UFLY or DroneZone app. Flight in Class B airspace without ATC permission is a federal violation.
RDU is a Class B airport with extensive controlled airspace. Recreational and Part 107 commercial drone operators must request authorization through Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) before flying within the affected airspace. The system is automated and grants approval within seconds for most low-altitude flights, but altitudes above the published UAS Facility Map ceiling require manual review and can take 30-90 days. Wake County Fire Services also notes that RDU now requires a Height Zoning (HZO) permit for pyrotechnics within the aircraft approach plan, but no comparable county permit for drones — only FAA jurisdiction applies.
FAA Civil penalty up to $32,666 per violation. Pilot certificate revocation or suspension. Possible criminal charges for endangerment of aircraft (18 U.S.C. §32) for high-risk flights near commercial traffic.
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