What action must be taken before any flight operation in restricted areas?

Before conducting any flight operations in restricted areas, it is essential to obtain prior authorization from the appropriate authorities. Restricted areas are designated by the FAA and are established for various reasons, including national security, safety, and military operations. Operating a drone or any aircraft in these areas without authorization can result in serious legal consequences and jeopardize safety.

Authorization is typically obtained through the appropriate government or military agency that controls the restricted airspace. This process ensures that all flight operations are coordinated with ongoing activities within that airspace, thus allowing pilots to avoid interference with potentially hazardous operations. It also helps to maintain safety for both the UAS operator and any personnel or operations occurring in the restricted area.

Other actions, such as notifying local media, checking weather conditions, or sending a flight plan to the FAA, do not address the specific requirements for operating in restricted areas and are not sufficient to ensure compliance with airspace regulations. These steps, while generally important for safe flight planning, do not replace the critical need for prior authorization in restricted airspace.