Part 107 in Maryland: Inside the DC SFRA
Much of central Maryland sits inside the Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area, and Baltimore has Class B airspace. How to tell where you can fly.
Maryland pilots live next to the most restricted airspace in the country. The Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area extends 30 miles from Reagan National, covering a large part of central Maryland, and drones are prohibited inside its 15-mile inner ring without specific FAA and TSA approval. Baltimore adds Class B airspace around BWI.
This guide focuses on what makes flying in Maryland different. State and local rules on privacy, trespass and parks still apply, and the Part 107 rules apply everywhere.
Where does the SFRA apply in Maryland?
The FAA defines a 15-mile inner ring and a 30-mile outer ring around Reagan National. Inside 15 miles, drones need specific FAA authorization; between 15 and 30 miles, Part 107 flights that comply with the rules are allowed. Measure your distance before quoting a job. The DC airspace post has the details.
What about Baltimore?
BWI sits under Class B airspace, so flights there need authorization under §107.41, usually through LAANC.
Which rule covers prohibited areas?
§107.45 bars flights in prohibited or restricted areas without permission from the controlling agency.
What this means for the exam
Maryland-specific rules are not on the FAA knowledge test, which covers federal rules only. The federal topics here, airspace authorization, restricted areas, weather limits and performance, are.
Other states are compared in the state drone laws guide.
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