KNSI Drone Restrictions Near Naval Outlying Landing Field San Nicolas Island

Airport Information

Naval Outlying Landing Field San Nicolas Island (KNSI) is a Navy aviation facility associated with Naval Base Ventura County. FAA terminal procedure data identifies San Nicolas Island NOLF with NSI/KNSI, and UAS operations in the area require careful review of Navy property restrictions, offshore range activity, and Special Use Airspace. See the FAA terminal procedures listing for NSI/KNSI and the official Naval Base Ventura County site.

This airport is classified as Special Use Airspace vicinity airspace. Drone flights within its designated airspace boundary require authorization before launching.

Airport Airspace Map

Interactive FAA ArcGIS map centered on KNSI with LAANC grid overlay and controlled airspace details.

Safety & Compliance

Before flying near KNSI, pilots should:

• Review restricted or prohibited airspace permission requirements under 14 CFR 107.45.
• Check FAA TFRs, NOTAMs, and Special Use Airspace before any offshore UAS operation.
• Operations on or over Navy-controlled island property may require controlling authority permission.

Airspace Restrictions

KNSI airspace planning should start with B4UFLY, LAANC availability, airport proximity, and any Temporary Flight Restrictions that may affect launch or recovery.

• SUA note: San Nicolas Island is UAS-sensitive because of Navy range and offshore military activity.
• Access: Island property access is not public airport access.
• Preflight: Use FAA data, NOTAMs, and controlling-agency coordination before launch.

Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 107)

• 107.21 – In-flight emergency procedures and right-of-way rules
• 107.25 – Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft prohibited
• 107.31 – Visual line of sight requirement
• 107.35 – Preflight checks required before each flight
• 107.39 – Remote pilot in command responsibilities
• 107.51 – Operating altitude limited to 400 feet AGL

How to Get Authorization

• LAANC: Use the LAANC system for instant low-altitude authorization near supported airports — available through apps such as Aloft, Kittyhawk, and others
• FAA DroneZone: Request a Part 107 airspace authorization via faadronezone.faa.gov for operations not covered by LAANC
• B4UFLY: Always run a B4UFLY check immediately before launch to catch last-minute TFRs and NOTAMs

Connected location pages

Nearby Flight Planning Pages