via Shutterstock

via Shutterstock

The Federal Aviation Administration has updated its drone policies in the D.C. region, with the most significant regulation allowing hobbyists to fly unmanned aircrafts closer to the District than was permitted in recent months.

Effective today, the special flight rules area prohibits drones from flying within 15 miles of Washington, without specific FAA authorization. Last December, the FAA extended the ban from 15 to 30 miles, causing hobbyist parks within 30-miles of Ronald Reagan National Airport to shutter.

The new regulations also mandate that hobbyists who plan to operate within five miles of an airport or heliport notify the facility and air traffic control tower before operating.

Aircrafts must be registered and marked, as well as “fly 400 feet or lower above the ground, stay in the operator’s line of sight, only fly in clear conditions, and avoid other aircraft,” according to the FAA’s statement.