Mission Viejo restricts drone use in city parks and over city facilities. Federal FAA rules govern all recreational drone operations. Parts of Mission Viejo fall near controlled airspace from Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos and John Wayne Airport. LAANC authorization may be required.
Mission Viejo prohibits unauthorized drone operations over city parks, recreation facilities, and public events. The city's park rules restrict unmanned aircraft in public parks without prior authorization from the Parks and Recreation Department. Federal FAA regulations require all recreational drone operators to: register drones weighing over 0.55 pounds, pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, yield to manned aircraft, never fly over people or moving vehicles, and avoid restricted airspace. Parts of southern Mission Viejo are near controlled airspace associated with John Wayne Airport (SNA). Operators must check airspace restrictions using the FAA B4UFLY app and obtain LAANC authorization where required. Flying over the Mission Viejo Lake, community events, or school campuses is prohibited. OC Sheriff's Department responds to drone safety complaints at (949) 770-6011. Contact Parks and Recreation at (949) 470-3060 for filming or event drone permits.
Unauthorized drone operations in city parks or over city facilities may result in citations and equipment confiscation. FAA violations for reckless operation, flying in restricted airspace, or failing to register carry federal civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties may apply for endangering manned aircraft.
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