Drone Pilot Practice Exam

Under what conditions may UAV operations be allowed in restricted areas?

1. Only during nighttime operations

2. With approval from the agency that owns the restricted airspace

3. When no other aircraft are present

4. At the pilot's discretion

The correct answer is: With approval from the agency that owns the restricted airspace

UAV operations may be permitted in restricted areas primarily through the approval of the agency that owns that specific restricted airspace. This is because restricted areas are established for public safety or national security reasons, and operations within these areas are tightly controlled. The agency overseeing the airspace typically has protocols in place for granting temporary access to ensure that any UAV operations do not interfere with the activities that led to the designation of that airspace as restricted in the first place. The other potential conditions do not adequately reflect the regulatory framework surrounding UAV operations in restricted airspace. For example, nighttime operations alone do not grant access, as the restriction applies regardless of the time of day. Similarly, the mere absence of other aircraft does not justify UAV operations, since restricted areas could still be active with specific operations or activities, regardless of visible traffic. Lastly, leaving access to the pilot's discretion undermines the regulations designed to ensure safety and security in restricted airspace, as it could lead to unauthorized operations without the necessary oversight.