Showing ordinances that apply to Derwood, MD
Derwood is an unincorporated community (population 2,535) in Montgomery County, Maryland. Because Derwood is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Montgomery County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The recreational drones rules below are the ones that govern your area.
The entire county lies within the DC SFRA, requiring FAA authorization for all drone flights. County parks prohibit drone takeoff/landing without a permit.
Recreational drone operations in Montgomery County are subject to multiple layers of regulation. The entire county lies within or adjacent to the DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), a 30-nautical-mile radius around Reagan National Airport established after September 11, 2001. Flying any drone within the SFRA requires prior FAA authorization through the LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) system or a specific waiver. Much of the county also falls within the Class B airspace of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), requiring additional authorization. Under FAA rules, recreational drone pilots must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, and yield to manned aircraft. Montgomery County Department of Parks (M-NCPPC) prohibits drone takeoff and landing in county parks without a written permit from the Park Manager. Drones may not be flown over people, moving vehicles, or within 5 miles of airports without LAANC authorization. Night flying requires anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles.
Flying in the SFRA without authorization is a federal offense carrying fines up to $100,000 and potential criminal prosecution. Park violations may result in ejection and fines. FAA violations for recreational pilots can include fines up to $20,000.
See how Derwood's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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