WHAT. NO PILOT IN THE COCKPIT? Drone activity noted on sectional charts with a small airplane symbol with the letters “UA”.
“Manned and unmanned aircraft not authorized in the same traffic pattern. Arriving manned aircraft may follow unmanned aircraft on final.”
AREAS WITH A PREPONDERANCE of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) activity are typically noted on sectional charts with a small airplane symbol, similar to that used for glider operating areas but with the letters “UA” instead of “G.” Expect UAS activity in nearby restricted or other special-use airspace and military installations.
Be alert if you spot the symbol near your planned route, and pay close attention to notams: If a UAS TFR is issued, mark the location and boundaries on your chart. If there’s no TFR and operations are conducted outside of controlled airspace, note times and altitudes. In addition, the airport remarks for joint civil/ military airports may address UAS flight activity. For example, Sierra Vista Municipal-Libby AAF (KFHU) notes, “Manned and unmanned aircraft not authorized in the same traffic pattern. Arriving manned aircraft may follow unmanned aircraft on final.”
