190th Air Refueling Wing Remains a No-Drone Zone

  • Published
  • 190th Air Refueling Wing

The 190th Air Refueling Wing, located at 5920 SE Coyote Drive, Topeka, Kansas 66619, is a No-Drone Zone at all times. The no-drone policy took effect in 2018 and will be in effect with no end date. The installation perimeter fence line is marked with AFVA 31-128, No-Drone Zone Signs.

Launching, landing, or operating unmanned, remote-controlled drones or model rockets, on or over the installation, is prohibited at all times. Many drone and unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, users may not know that they inadvertently pose a threat to military operations.

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 130i, the operation of drones, model aircraft, model rockets and other UAS, on or over the installation is prohibited.

The prohibition includes civic, commercial, and privately owned drones.

Strict airspace rules also apply off-installation. Unmanned aircraft systems cannot interfere with flight operations at the 190ARW.

Operators who violate the airspace restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.

All UAS activities within the U.S. must follow appropriate FAA regulations and guidelines. Drone activity outside FAA rules and guidelines is considered an unauthorized entry.

UAS operators should take the times to become acquainted with policies, laws, and other directives before operating a UAS.

For information about proper locations and rules for drone operation, visit the Federal Aviation Administration UAS website at https://www.faa.gov/uas.

Drone operators can also download the free B4Ufly app at https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly for more information about the specifics of flying a UAS off-installation. This app shows a user’s current location and informs them of notifications you need to make to local airfields.

For questions or concerns, please contact the program managers, Master Sgt. Kyle Kaberline at 785-861-4217 or Master Sgt. Matthew Sutherland at 785-861-4231.