Introduction
Airspace cannot be treated as an unrestricted commercial environment.
Aircraft and drones operating near sensitive installations, restricted areas or controlled airspace can create security risks even where the operator has no malicious intention.
The Regulatory Framework Is Preventive
The purpose of airspace restrictions is to prevent potentially dangerous operations before they occur.
Drone operators, for example, are required to verify applicable airspace restrictions before operation under the regulatory framework.
Intent Does Not Always Eliminate Risk
A person flying a drone for photography may unintentionally enter a prohibited area.
The legal consequences can still be significant.
Conclusion
Aviation law and national security increasingly overlap because modern technology has lowered the barrier to entering controlled airspace.
Compliance should therefore begin with understanding where an aircraft or drone may legally operate before it takes off.
