Recreational drone flying in El Cajon is heavily restricted due to the Gillespie Field airport Class D airspace. All drone operators must comply with FAA regulations including registration and the TRUST certificate. Flying near Gillespie Field without FAA authorization through LAANC is prohibited.
El Cajon is home to Gillespie Field (SEE), a public airport operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. The airport's Class D airspace covers most of El Cajon, making drone operations significantly restricted compared to other cities. All recreational drone pilots must register their drones with the FAA ($5 for 3 years), pass the TRUST (Recreational UAS Safety Test), and fly under 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace. Within Gillespie Field's Class D airspace, pilots must obtain authorization through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) before flying. Night flights require anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. The city does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance but enforces applicable state and federal law.
Flying a drone in controlled airspace without LAANC authorization is a federal violation subject to FAA enforcement action including fines up to $20,000 per incident for commercial operators and potential criminal charges for reckless operation. Unregistered drones may result in civil penalties up to $27,500.
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