I live near to an American airbase and they have had a no fly zone in place for almost a year as they renew is every few months. I don’t understand the wording of the NFZ. Could someone translate it so I can understand what the restriction is and how I can get permission to fly. Thank you in advance. There the text from the NFZ
Summary
Red zones are regulated high-risk areas and operation of your drone may be hazardous or prohibited.
Altitude
This piece of airspace is in effect between Surface and 2200ft MSL
Temporary Flight Restriction
This is an official ‘No Fly Zone’ (a Temporary Flight Restriction) and it applies according to the following criteria, in the region indicated by the boundary shown.
Active Now
Active: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 10:53:00 AM (UTC) until Monday, January 19, 2026 9:40:00 AM (UTC).
Full NOTAM Text
Q) EGTT/QRTCA/IV/BO/W/000/022/5222N00013W003 A) EGTT B) FROM: 25/10/21 10:53 C) TO: 26/01/19 09:40 E) RESTRICTED AREA (TEMPORARY) ACTIVE FOR UAS ONLY (ALCONBURY) WI 2NM RADIUS OF PSN 522159N 0001311W DOES NOT APPLY TO ANY UAS FLYING IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXCEPTIONS STATED IN THE AIP SUP. AIP SUP 059/2025 REFERS. FURTHER DETAILS WWW.NATS.AERO/AIS. RESTRICTION OF FLYING REGULATIONS MADE UNDER ARTICLE 239 OF AIR NAV ORDER 2016. AR-2024-8633/84. LOWER: SFC UPPER: 2200FT AMSL
This is not a NFZ (there’s technically no such thing), this is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR).
The airspace restriction you’re looking at is directly over the RAF Alconbury base (I’ve updated your topic title to help other people who may also be searching):
As per the details of the TFR, drones are not permitted to fly anywhere in that area until 19th January 2026, but as you suggest, that date will likely be indefinitely as they’ll keep renewing it.
I can’t find a telephone number anywhere @Jaylay30 but I’d definitely send them an email.
In the email, don’t ask for permission to fly in their TFR and instead phrase your question along the lines of “How do I request permission to fly a drone in your TFR?”. You’re looking to understand the process of how to submit a request to fly there, you’re not requesting it right now.
Two things to add on that, even if it wasnt a FRZ, it may well be covered under the new national security act which doesnt require them.
Also, no idea about the USAF but people have been turned down wanting to fly within the Brize FRZ (RAF) if their drone is DJI. Given whats going on in the states, i suspect getting permission is going to be a no on multiple levels.
All military sites that were covered under the former Official Secrets Act, including RAF Alconbury and Brize Norton are automatically designated a prohibited place under the NSA 2023.
Under this new legislation there is also no requirement for a site to advertise that it is a prohibited place.
First truckstop I ever went to was BP Alconbury in the late 80’s with my dad, never knew then that there was a active American Airbase just over the Flying Saucer that became McDonalds, even that has gone along with the Airbase and Truckstop
The airbase it still there although much smaller. Half of it is now an enterprise zone with houses and businesses on it. The Truckstop is now a maritime haulage site after the hotel was a swingers venue for a short time.
I’ve been asked to use this email address for information on Alconbury airbase. 420abs.os@us.af.mil I have emailed them and will let you know what they come back with
Sorry I forgot to add the information I received back from 420abs . Here was their response.
I’ve not followed these procedures as yet. If anyone does please add how it went.
Jerry,
Am happy to assist.
Please fill out the attached form and return to me soonest.
All unauthorized drone operations within the FRZ and Restricted Airspace to the CAA per CAP 722 will be reported to the CAA. Fines and confiscation of the drone could occur.
Drone requests need to be sent 24-48 hours prior to the operation.
Further to this, my office hours are normally Mon-Fri 0730-1630. If you have a weekend operation, the request needs to be submitted no later than Thursday by 1630.
