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KTCM Drone Restrictions Near McChord Field

Review drone airspace restrictions, LAANC planning, radio frequencies, weather, and compliance considerations for operations near McChord 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 KTCM
Airport Name McChord Field
Location Tacoma, Washington
Airspace Class Class D / Seattle-Tacoma Class B vicinity
Coordinates 47.1377, -122.4765

McChord Field (KTCM) is the Air Force airfield component of Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington. FAA terminal procedure data identifies McChord Field with TCM/KTCM, and UAS planning should account for Class D airspace, nearby Seattle-Tacoma Class B airspace, and military transport operations. See the FAA terminal procedures listing for TCM/KTCM and the official JBLM site.

This airport is classified as Class D / Seattle-Tacoma Class B vicinity airspace. Drone flights within its designated airspace boundary require authorization before launching.

Radio Frequencies

Monitor these frequencies for safe operations near KTCM. Drone pilots are not required to transmit but monitoring helps situational awareness.

Tower

127.75 MHz

Air traffic control, landing clearances

Ground

121.8 MHz

Taxiway and ground operations

ATIS

269.625 MHz

Automated terminal information service

CTAF

127.75 MHz

Common traffic advisory frequency

Airport Airspace Map

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

Selected point guidance

Authorization Decision

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Safety & Compliance

Before flying near KTCM, pilots should:

  • Check Class D and nearby Class B authorization requirements under 14 CFR 107.41.
  • Use UASFM/LAANC planning for the exact launch point and altitude.
  • Review FAA TFRs and JBLM installation restrictions before flight.

Airspace Restrictions

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

  • Controlled airspace: KTCM airspace may require FAA authorization before launch.
  • Nearby airspace: Seattle-Tacoma Class B, Tacoma Narrows, and Gray Army Airfield can affect nearby UAS planning.
  • Security: Installation access and overflight are separate from FAA airspace authorization.

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
  • Contact ATC: Call the KTCM tower on 127.75 MHz for specific operational requests
  • B4UFLY: Always run a B4UFLY check immediately before launch to catch last-minute TFRs and NOTAMs

Nearby Airports

Other airports and controlled airspace facilities in the area:

  • KSEA — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (18 miles)

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.