Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 182
Identifying potential witnesses and conducting initial
interviews;
Contacting the suspected operators of the UAS or model
aircraft;
Viewing and recording the location of the event;
Collecting evidence;
Identifying if the UAS operation was in a sensitive
location, event or activity; and
Notifying one of the FAA’s Regional Operation Centers
about the operation as soon as possible.
In April 2016, Travis AFB established UAS policy for operation on‐Base. The
memorandum establishes restrictions and provides pre‐coordinated
authorized areas to fly UASs. UAS operation is allowed in a Preferred Use
Area and Caution Use Areas. The Preferred Use Area includes the old
housing area, west of Twin Peaks Drive, restricting UAS flight below 400 feet.
The Caution Use Areas include Base housing, dorms, duck pond, and
Johnson Recreation Fields, allowing UASs below the height of tree tops, light
poles, or nearby buildings. Establishing these areas gives Base personnel
and their families an area to fly UASs without requiring coordination with
the air traffic control tower.
Findings
Local bills have been introduced in California, but none have been passed
yet to regulate the use of drones.
In more rural parts of the US, UASs are becoming increasingly used for
agricultural purposes to monitor crops and livestock. Most of the area east
of Travis AFB is currently used for agriculture or open space. This area may
attract recreational UAS use or farms may begin to utilize the new
technology. As the number of UASs increases, there will be the increased
risk of UASs flying too close to military installations without prior
coordination. Citizens may also be unaware of FAA regulations of UASs.
The proximity of UASs being flown near Travis AFB also raises security
concerns as many UASs are equipped with camera equipment. A UAS could
provide a line‐of‐sight into the Base. The FAA does not restrict the use of
camera equipment on UASs. A drone following the regulations outlined by
the FAA could still create an issue if the drone can record activities taking
place on the Base.
In recent years, civilian use of UASs has increased rapidly, and using
them near military operating areas can cause safety hazards for pilots.
The FAA depends on local law enforcement to stop and report the
unauthorized use of UASs. Both citizens and law enforcement officials
may be unaware of the FAA regulations associated