The Federal Aviation Administration has designated new special security instructions (SSI) over Newport News Shipbuilding airspace. These measures went into effect in March to protect shipbuilders, NNS facilities and U.S. Navy work.

The SSI prohibits the general public from flying any small unmanned aircraft over NNS without the appropriate written permission from Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News. Individuals who violate any of these restrictions may be subject to FAA and/or law enforcement action.

Shipbuilders must remain vigilant as a critical asset in detecting drones and should report any drone flight over, or on the boundaries of, NNS to the Security Control Center at 757-380-4031. Items to report include location, flight path, whether it was detected visually or audibly, drone type (such as fixed wing or multi-rotor) and color.

NNS-authorized pilots who are FAA Part 107 certified will continue to work with Environmental Health and Safety, NNS Security and SUPSHIP to approve flight plans and alert shipbuilders of these flights via Distribution A.