Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
FAA Raises Small UAS Blanket Altitude Limit to 400 Feet
The move doubles the blanket altitude permitted for small unmanned aircraft that are not model aircraft.

The FAA is doubling the blanket altitude for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), permitting flight up to 400 feet. The agency previously had implemented a blanket “certificate of waiver of authorization” (COA) that allowed Section 333 exemption holders and government operators to fly small UAS up to 200 feet. The COA covers UASs that weigh less than 55 pounds and are operated for commercial and other purposes besides as model aircraft. Other restrictions, such as barring UAS flights within five nautical miles of towered airports, remain in place.