KRCA Drone Restrictions Near Ellsworth Air Force Base

Airport Information

Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA) is an active U.S. Air Force installation near Rapid City, South Dakota, with FAA-published terminal procedures for RCA/KRCA and runway operations supporting military aircraft. Drone operations near Ellsworth may be affected by controlled airspace, Special Use Airspace, military training activity, NOTAMs, or TFRs. See the FAA terminal procedures listing for RCA/KRCA and the official Ellsworth AFB 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 KRCA with LAANC grid overlay and controlled airspace details.

Safety & Compliance

Before flying near KRCA, pilots should:

• Confirm controlled-airspace authorization needs under 14 CFR 107.41.
• Review Special Use Airspace and restricted-area permission requirements under 14 CFR 107.45 where applicable.
• Check FAA TFRs, NOTAMs, and installation-specific restrictions before flight.

Airspace Restrictions

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

• Controlled airspace: KRCA airspace may require FAA authorization for nearby UAS operations.
• SUA note: Military training airspace in western South Dakota should be reviewed before operations near Ellsworth.
• Nearby controlled airspace: Rapid City Regional and Black Hills-area aviation activity can affect mission planning.

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