Recreational Drone Empowerment Act
Key claim: The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act would allow the FAA to authorize recreational drones at fixed sites in Class E airspace above Class G airspace or designated as extensions to Class B, C, D, or E surface areas.
Abstract
(HR6460 · 119th Congress) Recreational Drone Empowerment Act This bill expands the areas in which recreational unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones) are authorized to fly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has various classifications for airspace, including Class E airspace, which is controlled airspace that is comprised of multiple sectors (e.g., Classes E1 to E5). Class E airspace includes sectors that (1) generally begin where Class G airspace (i.e., uncontrolled airspace) ends, and (2) are associated with an airport surface area or a surface level extension to another class of airspace. Under current law, recreational drones may generally operate in certain circumstances from a fixed site, including within Class B, C, or D airspace. They may also operate within Class G airspace (1) up to 400 feet above ground level, without prior FAA authorization; and (2) over 400 feet above ground level with prior FAA authorization. The FAA has interpreted current law to allow recreational drone operations in Class E2 airspace designated for an airport and prohibit recreational drone operations in other Class E sectors. The bill specifies that the FAA may authorize recreational drones to operate at fixed site locations in Class E airspace that is above Class G airspace; or designated as an extension to a Class B, C, D, or E surface area. Latest action (2026-03-25): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Why this matters
Recreational drone flying at fixed sites (e.g., model aircraft fields) is currently constrained by which airspace classes FAA can authorize; extending eligibility to Class E above Class G and Class E surface-area extensions would meaningfully expand where hobbyist clubs can legally operate. The change is incremental but has practical safety implications because Class E sectors often abut controlled terminal airspace, requiring FAA to balance recreational access with separation from manned traffic.