Naval Station Guantanamo Bay released NSGB Instruction 3710.5, Recreational Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Use to promulgate rules governing the use of UAS to include radio-controlled aircraft, model rockets, control line aircraft, free flight aircraft and drones on NSGB for recreational use.

The new instruction applies to all residents and visitors on board NSGB. Sponsors shall ensure their guests become familiar with the provisions of the instruction. Non-compliance may result in administrative or disciplinary actions to include, but not limited to, termination of flying privileges and/or confiscation of UAS.

In an interest to allow for personal hobbies and recreational activities, Phoenix and Self Help Flying Sites, along with residential locations, have been established for use of certain UAS flight activities. NSGBINST 3710.5 seeks to balance the safety and security of base personnel and sensitive assets with personal hobbies and recreational activities.

Prior to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) involvement, Public Law 112-95 section 336 allowed radio-controlled model aircraft operators to fly with little FAA oversight until June 2016.

With the rapid advancement of radio-controlled aircraft and aerial photography capability, Congress has now mandated that the FAA promulgate regulations governing the use of certain UAS for certain uses in the National Airspace System.

As of June 2016, radio-controlled model aircraft now known as UAS can still be flown for recreational purposes as they always have been, with the exception of now having to register the UAS with the FAA. Because NSGB is outside of FAA regulations, NSGB residents and guests do not have to register UAS with the FAA, but do have to heed the guidance located within the base instruction, which includes tailored best practices set forth by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and Federal Aviation Regulation part 107 to meet the specific needs of NSGB.

All UAS may not exceed the limitations of the instruction and must be exclusively for sport, recreation, education, and/or competition.

Other general rules include:
a. Model aircraft will not be flown in a careless or reckless manner.
b. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles, or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others.
c. No flight higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level for fixed wing and rotary aircraft.
d. No flight higher than approximately 500 feet above ground level for model rockets.
e. Not to exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 10 pounds for all UAS.
f. Prior to first flight of each UAS, owner shall label their model with first name, last name, phone number and register with the NSGB UAS officer via email at usn.gtmo.navstagtmobaycu.list.n32-uas@mail.mil or in person with the NSGB UAS officer located in Bulkeley Hall, ext. 4888.
g. Not operate UAS while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug that could adversely affect the pilots ability to safely control the aircraft.
h. Not operate fixed wing or rotary model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property.
i. Night flying is prohibited. No model UAS may be flown between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
j. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
k. RC model aircraft shall use the radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies 50 and 53 mhz. FM, 2.4GHZ and Wi-Fi frequencies do not require a license.
l. Prior to turning on transmitters UAS pilots must de-conflict with other UAS pilots when using AM and FM transmitter/receiver frequencies.
m. Due to high performance speed capabilities with respect to the lateral confines of the Phoenix Flying Site and Self Help Flying Site, fixed wing aircraft with gas turbine engines (both jet and fan) are prohibited. Rotary aircraft with gas turbine engines are permitted.
n. Avoid electrical power lines by a minimum of 50 feet.
o. Harassment of wildlife is prohibited.
p. All UAS must be flown within visual line of sight of Pilot-in-Command.
q. No person may fly any UAS outside the designated areas without expressed written permission from NSGB commanding officer.
r. Flying UAS for commercial (for hire) applications is prohibited.
s. Avoid photo or video capture of classified or sensitive assets.
t. Migrants are prohibited from operating any UAS with cameras, and may only operate UAS in the two designated flying sites (Phoenix or Self Help) when escorted by IOM.
Specific guidelines for each of the flying sites to include Phoenix Flying Site, Self Help Flying Site and Residential Areas are located within the instruction.

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