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Thank you for visiting the Moffett Field Drone Information page. Moffett Field supports safe operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as Drones, for recreational use and commercial purposes.
The FAA requires that all UAS/Drone operations within five (5) miles of an airport contact either airport management or the Air Traffic Control Tower prior to flight. Here is how you can contact Moffett Field:
The information below has been updated.
A Certificate of Authorization (COA) number issued by the FAA must be provided to Moffett Federal Airfield prior to UAS operations. Please email or telephone Moffett Airfield Operations Office at airfieldops@pv-nuq.com or 650-386-0677.
Include the following information (This information needs to be on file in the Airfield Operations Office prior to UAS flight):
UAS Operator's full name
UAS Operator's mobile telephone number (this number MUST be with the UAS Operator at all times while the UAS is under their control).
COA #
Date(s) and Time(s) of proposed UAS operation(s)(if known)
Proposed address of UAS flight
The UAS Operator is required to telephone Airfield Operations directly, no sooner than 15 minutes prior to UAS flight, to announce the UAS is ready for flight. If the above information is already on file with Airfield Operations,, be prepared to simply provide the following information to Airfield Operations by telephone ONLY (NO EMAIL):
Full name
COA #
Location/address of flight
Departure time
Once the UAS flight is complete, telephone Airfield Operations to provide the following information:
Full Name
COA #
Landing time
Airfield Operations will coordinate with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower for your UAS flight(s). ATC will notify Airfield Operations immediately if there is a potential hazard or conflict with your UAS operation so be prepared to answer your telephone at all times while in flight.
Please note that flight operations within five (5) miles of Moffett Field may also be within the radius of Palo Alto and/or San Jose International airport. Each airport must be notified separately.
If you have questions, please contact Moffett Federal Airfield Airfield Operations at 650-386-0677 or Airport Management:
Airport Manager
Derek Pristavok
Email: Derek@pv-nuq.com
Office: (650) 386-0680
Before you fly, please visit:
Recreational Flyers:
If you will be flying five (5) miles or closer to Moffett Federal Airfield, you must contact the airport prior to your drone flight.
The FAA requires owner / operators to register drones weighing 250 grams (0.55 lbs) or more. Please visit www.faa.gov/uas/registration to register your drone today.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Regulations FAA 14 CFR Part 107 can be found here.
Part 107 Summary canbe found here.
Model Aircraft Operating Standards FAA Advisory Circular 91-57A can be found here.
Model Aircraft FAA Special Rule information can be found here.
Civil or Commercial Flyers:
The FAA requires you to have a 333 Exemption and accompanying Certificate of Authorization (COA). Unless you have a specific COA that allows something different, some of the requirements include:
Possess an FAA issued Pilot Certificate
Operate five (5) miles or more away for Moffett Federal Airfield
Operate at altitudes of 200 feet above ground or less
File a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) describing your flight
Maintain Visual line of sight with your drone
See and avoid manned aircraft
Additional information can be found at:
Fly Safe and Have Fun!!
Special thanks to our friends at Watsonville Municipal Airport for assistance in creating this page.
Page updated
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