Alert:
Effective July 1, 2018, the use of unmanned aircraft (drones) is allowed on Park Authority lands. Pilots are expected to abide by all applicable FAA regulations, safety guidance and airspace restrictions.
Although The Park Authority is not able to regulate the personal use of drones, we are hopeful that operators will respect other park users, stay clear of wildlife and natural and cultural resource areas and generally, be respectful in their use of unmanned aircraft over parkland.
The Fairfax County Park Authority recently updated Regulation 1.17 of its Policy Manual to comply with the Virginia Code. Read the full press release.
This regulation change formalizes the practices that went into effect on July 1. Personal UAS are welcome in the parks without prior permission. A permit is still required for model rockets and Institutional or business use of drones, radio-controlled cars, boats and other non-aircraft.
Flying a drone in a reckless or irresponsible manner is a violation of Federal law and FAA regulations that could result in civil fines or criminal action. Per FAA guidance, incidents are handled by local law enforcement, who will contact the FAA as necessary. Contact the Fairfax County Police Department if:
Police Emergency: 911
Police Non-Emergency: 703-691-2131
To help the Park Authority track incidents of drone misuse in the parks, please also report the event to a staff member or email parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Model Aircraft Site at Poplar Ford Park is the recommended site for drone use. For more information, please contact the Northern Virginia Radio Control Club.
Per Virginia Code §19.2-926.3, park visitors in possession of a UAS may not enter areas where they would otherwise not be able to go (such as posted areas, construction zones, and park facilities - such as athletic fields - reserved for use by others). Please observe the established park operating hours and any posted signage.
To protect Fairfax County’s valuable natural and cultural resources, pilots are encouraged to select sites in areas actively maintained for recreational use, such as mowed fields. Pilots should select sites that fully allow FAA requirements and safety recommendations to be met.
The airspace around Washington, DC is more restricted than in any other part of the country. The following Park Authority properties are underneath the 15-mile DC Flight Restricted Zone, or airspace where the FAA generally prohibits drone flights without specific authorization. This list is provided as guidance only and accuracy is not guaranteed; all pilots should follow the appropriate FAA rules in place at the location and time of flight.
Fairfax County Park Authority Properties under the Washington, DC Flight Restricted Zone
For Information/Guidance Only – Accuracy not Guaranteed
July 1, 2018
Alexandria – 22303
Alexandria – 22306
Alexandria – 22307
Alexandria – 22308
Alexandria – 22309
Alexandria – 22310
Alexandria – 22311
Alexandria – 22312
Alexandria – 22315
Annandale – 22003
Bailey’s Crossroads - 22041
Burke – 22015
Fairfax – 22031
Fairfax – 22032
Fairfax Station – 22039
Falls Church – 22041
Falls Church – 22042
Falls Church – 22043
Falls Church – 22044
Falls Church – 22045
Great Falls – 22066
Lorton – 22079
McLean – 22101
McLean – 22102
Oakton – 22124
Springfield – 22150
Springfield – 22151
Springfield – 22152
Springfield – 22153
Vienna – 22027
Vienna – 22180
Vienna – 22181
Vienna – 22182