UAS / Drone Flying Information & Notification

Welcome to the Red Wing Regional Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Drone information page. This page is not intended to replace knowledge of the operating rules required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial or hobby/recreational users but is intended to highlight flight paths and airplane operations around the Red Wing airport (KRGK) to increase SAFETY for both aircraft and UAS vehicles operating within a 5 mile radius of the airport. The intention of the information provided is to give the UAS/Drone pilot an idea of where to look for and anticipate where aircraft may be.

The FAA has developed an app which details 5-mile radii around public use airports throughout the U.S. It is called B4UFLY and can be downloaded for free. Operating rules for the Hobby/Recreational UAS (non-commercial) are the same as for model aircraft which are based on a community set of safety guidelines developed by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. A link to the FAA's Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations website contains a complete set of rules/guidelines.

Rules

The important rules are that:

• The recreational/hobbyist UAS operator must contact the airport operator prior to flying within 5 miles of an airport.
• All UAS drones used in the USA must have and display a registration number obtainable from the FAA.

The Red Wing Regional Airport recommends that every UAS operator log-in to www.airmap.com or download the free “AirMap For Drones” app available for both Android and IOS devices. The registration is free and upon signing in, Airmap will provide:

1. The UAS operator a map of the Red Wing Airport 5 mile area, and
2. A simple process for complying with the FAA requirement for contacting the Red Wing airport when operating your UAS within the 5-mile radius via digital notification.

Note: It is recommended that no UAS operate on the immediate airport property. Should the UAS operator desire to operate on the airport property, the operator is required to contact Red Wing Airport Operations during regular business hours at 715-594-3701.

Compliance

There are two ways to comply with the FAA regulations of notifying the airport prior to drone flights.

1. The preferred method is to use AIRMAP.com. The registration and use of the program is free.
2. Call Red Wing Airport operations directly during regular business hours at 715-594-3701.

For the Commercial operator Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 107 applies and you must complete the required testing before you can operate as a commercial drone pilot. The airspace around the Red Wing Airport is Class G and the rules governing operations in Class G airspace apply.

The FAA allows UAS pilots to fly within 5 mile areas around airports. As the owner of the Red Wing Airport, the City of Red Wing will comply with the FAA. However, we urge UAS pilots to exercise additional caution when operating within the radius. Safety is the number one concern for the City; safety for both Airplanes using the airport and UAS/Drone operators flying nearby.

More Information

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Red Wing airport operations during business hours at 715-594-3701.

Map Information

The Red Wing Rgnl map identifies variable risk areas in and around the Red Wing Regional Airport. Extreme caution should be used when operating your UAS/drone.

The “red” area identifies airport property. Prior to operating your drone, you are required to notify the airport manager at 715-594-3701.

The “orange” areas identify high risk areas where manned aircraft may be flying at low altitudes approaching and departing from the Red Wing Regional Airport.

The “green” areas identify initial approach areas where caution and awareness are important.

Access the online notification form