Fairfax County to launch drone program

Fairfax County plans to use unmanned aircraft systems, commonly called drones, for public safety purposes.

The county has scheduled six public information meetings on the proposed UAS system. The first meeting is Jan. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale. The formal presentation starts at 7 p.m.

Officials from the Office of Emergency Management, County Attorney’s Office, Police Department, and Fire and Rescue Department will explain the program and answer questions.

The drones would be used for such missions as search and rescue, flooding assessments, disaster damage assessments, crash reconstruction, fire incident/scene management and investigations, hazardous materials responses, and wildlife estimation.

Drones would not be used to conduct random surveillance activities; to target a person based solely on individual characteristics, such as, race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, or disability; to harass, intimidate, or discriminate against any individual or group; or to conduct personal business.

The purpose of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program is “to provide an enhanced level of operational capability, safety, and situational awareness for first responders, other approved participating agencies, and decision-makers with high-quality imagery, data, and customized geospatial solutions using unmanned aircraft while continuing to maintain the public trust.”

Public comments on the UAS program can be sent to [email protected] by the close of business on Feb. 8.

New rules approved by the county that took effect July 1, 2018, allow individuals to use drones in certain Park Authority lands. While state law prohibits park authorities from regulating privately owned unmanned aircraft in parks, the Park Authority expects drone users to abide by Federal Aviation Administration rules and stay clear of wildlife and areas with cultural resources.

The Park Authority recommends drone owners use the model aircraft site at Poplar Ford Field in Centreville. 

The airspace around Washington, D.C., is the most restricted in the nation. Drone use by private citizens are banned within the 15-mile radius of the D.C. flight restricted zone. That includes all parks in the Annandale/Mason District area.