FAA Releases FDC 6/2824, Revising Drone Regulations and Updating Terminology

FAA Revises Drone Restrictions with New NOTAM

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new notice, FDC NOTAM 6/2824, on April 15, 2026, which replaces the previous nationwide drone restriction known as the “ICE NOTAM.” This revision eliminates the blanket prohibition on flying near federal mobile assets and removes the classification of “National Defense Airspace.” Additionally, the notice reflects a change in terminology from the “Department of Defense” to the “Department of War,” as per the Trump administration’s rebranding. The update was confirmed through the FAA’s Federal NOTAM System Search after being flagged by industry contacts.

Previous Restrictions and Compliance Issues

The earlier NOTAM, FDC 6/4375, issued on January 16, 2026, prohibited all unmanned aircraft from flying within a specified distance of 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet vertically from any Department of Defense, Department of Energy, or Department of Homeland Security facility or mobile asset. This classification created significant compliance challenges, as no flight planning tools provided real-time information on these restrictions. The lack of visibility into these restrictions raised concerns about First Amendment rights and the potential for severe penalties, including criminal charges and certificate revocation.

Details of the New NOTAM

The new FDC 6/2824 introduces several key changes:

• The language has shifted from “prohibited” to “advised,” removing specific stand-off distances.
• The “National Defense Airspace” classification has been eliminated, meaning proximity is no longer automatically considered a violation.
• The notice now includes the Department of War, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security as covered entities, with the DOJ now explicitly listed as having mobile assets that require caution.
• The legal authority cited for counter-UAS actions has been updated to include 10 U.S.C. 130i, 10 U.S.C. 6227, and 6 U.S.C. 124n, which necessitate individualized threat assessments.

Delay in Release and Implications for Pilots

The revision process was reportedly delayed due to intervention from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Advocacy from industry representatives highlighted the operational uncertainty caused by the previous restrictions. As of the publication date, the new NOTAM had not yet appeared on the FAA’s public TFR graphic map, which still listed the old restriction as active.

Impact on Drone Operators

The revised NOTAM reduces legal exposure for Part 107 operators and recreational flyers. Under the previous restrictions, drone operators could face criminal prosecution for inadvertently flying near federal mobile operations. The new advisory language indicates that proximity to these assets warrants caution rather than an automatic violation. However, federal agencies retain the authority to take action against drones they perceive as credible threats.

Conclusion

The changes in the NOTAM reflect a significant shift in how drone operations near federal assets are regulated. The removal of the “National Defense Airspace” designation is a notable development, reducing the risk of unintentional violations. The FAA’s enforcement policies may also need to be reassessed in light of these changes. Ongoing monitoring of NOTAM updates and compliance with federal regulations remains essential for drone operators.