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Drones/Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Info

Keesler Air Force Base wants to ensure flying safety remains paramount in the airspace around Biloxi, Keesler AFB and Gulfport by asking all drone/Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operators to become knowledgeable and practice good general operating rules required to fly a drone/sUAS in the National Airspace System.

If you have never flown an aircraft or a drone/sUAS, or it has been a while since you have flown, we encourage you to visit the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sUAS Website "Getting Started" for the latest rules and insights governing drone/sUAS operations.

In order to fly a sUAS on Keesler AFB, Fill out the request and send it to KeeslerUASrequests@us.af.mil.

If you have questions or concerns about drone/sUAS activity near Keesler or around Biloxi, or if you would like to let us know about your own operations, please contact us at KeeslerUASrequests@us.af.mil Thank you for helping us keep the skies safe!


Prohibited Flight Over Military Installations

Image of a no drone zone sign

All SUAS flight operations, including Public, Civil, and Model Aircraft, are prohibited within the airspace over select national security sensitive facilities (including Keesler AFB), surface to 400 feet above the ground in accordance with sUAS NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) FDC 7/7282. 

For more information and to see an interactive map of all locations specified in the NOTAM, visit the FAA UAS Data Delivery System.

5 Mile "no fly" Radius Around Keesler

Image of a no fly radius map.

"Flying for fun"

The FAA requires all recreational sUAS operators to contact the airport operator and Air Traffic Control Tower prior to operating their sUAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds within five statute miles of an airport. Names for sUASs may include, but are not limited to, model aircraft, "drones," and quadcopters, etc.

To contact us regarding recreational use within five miles of Keesler AFB, or if you simply have questions about Drone/sUAS rules, please e-mail us at KeeslerUASrequests@us.af.mil

The FAA offers a free mobile application called "B4UFLY" that will show your current location and a circle around each airport that helps you determine if you should notify those airports. Maps showing five miles around Keesler are included on the next page.

Don’t forget to check on Gulfport and other nearby airports as well!

 

"Flying for work"

Commercial operators wanting to fly in Keesler’s class D airspace should request a Certificate of Authorization (COA) from the FAA. That request will be evaluated by Keesler's Airfield Operations office and should satisfy all requirements to contact Keesler.

To request a waiver, visit FAA's website HERE

Points of Contact

KEESLER UAS/TFR POC:

Primary (OSF/CC):
Major Sam S. Walker
(228) 377-5460  sam.walker@us.af.mil 

Alternate (MAJCOM AETC):
D. Scott Wilson
(210) 652-5539  david.wilson.123@us.af.mil

Email: KeeslerUASrequests@us.af.mil

 

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