Unmanned Aerial Systems, commonly known as Drones, are not permitted above Joint Base Charleston in accordance with existing regulations.  It is also unlawful to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems within the controlled airspace surrounding an airport without Remote Pilot Certification and prior authorization from the FAA.  Any personnel found to be operating Unmanned Aerial Systems in this manner may be subject to law enforcement action.

The ban of drones over military bases comes from (14 CFR) § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” and 10 U.S. Code §130i. “Protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.”

The standard radius of controlled airspace around an airport is 5 miles.  Anyone operating a drone within this radius is required to have a Remote Pilot Certification and prior authorization from the FAA.

An article and mobile app which shows where flight is permitted and other useful information is available here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/b4ufly/

Information about Airspace Restrictions is available here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/where_can_i_fly/airspace_restrictions/