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KNUW Drone Restrictions Near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Ault Field

Review drone airspace restrictions, LAANC planning, radio frequencies, weather, and compliance considerations for operations near Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Ault Field.

Last updated: 2026-04-24 Informational use only
Informational use only. This page is not legal advice, aviation advice, or an official FAA or local-government publication. Rules, restrictions, authorizations, and local requirements can change. Verify current requirements with the FAA, B4UFLY, LAANC/UAS service suppliers, airport operators, property owners, and local authorities before flight.

Airport Information

Airport Code KNUW
Airport Name Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Ault Field
Location Oak Harbor, Washington
Airspace Class Class D / Special Use Airspace vicinity
Coordinates 48.3518, -122.6559

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Ault Field (KNUW) is an active U.S. Navy air station near Oak Harbor, Washington. FAA terminal procedure data identifies the airport as NUW/KNUW and includes published airport procedures, making it UAS-relevant for controlled airspace planning. See the FAA terminal procedures listing for NUW/KNUW and the official NAS Whidbey Island site.

This airport is classified as Class D / 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 KNUW with LAANC grid overlay and controlled airspace details.

Selected point guidance

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Safety & Compliance

Before flying near KNUW, pilots should:

  • Obtain FAA authorization where required by 14 CFR 107.41.
  • Check UAS Facility Map grids and Navy-related TFR or NOTAM activity before launch.
  • Avoid operations from or over Navy property unless permission has been obtained.

Airspace Restrictions

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

  • Controlled airspace: KNUW Class D and surrounding airspace require point-specific review.
  • SUA note: Whidbey Island operations may interact with military training routes and Special Use Airspace.
  • Nearby fields: Review Coupeville OLF and Puget Sound-area airport airspace when planning routes.

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

Related city and state pages

Federal airspace and LAANC guides

Federal rule references

Important Disclaimer

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inapplicable to your specific situation. It is not legal advice, aviation advice, safety advice, emergency guidance, or an official interpretation of any law, regulation, waiver, or authorization requirement.

Always confirm current requirements directly with the FAA, B4UFLY, UAS Facility Maps, LAANC/UAS service suppliers, airport operators, venue operators, landowners, and applicable local, state, tribal, or federal authorities before flight.