We may be curious about refineries and power plants, but can we fly a drone over a refinery to take a closer look? Here, please check out our blog for a deeper understanding.
Can I Fly My Drone Over a Refinery?
Generally speaking, refineries are usually classified as critical infrastructure, and drone flights near refineries are usually restricted or prohibited in most countries.
At the same time, for some private refineries, whether the refinery operator will allow quadcopters to fly over is also an important factor.
In general, flying a drone near a refinery depends on local laws, safety considerations, and the purpose of the flight.
Can I fly over a refinery in the United States?
In the United States, drone pilots need to comply with FAA regulations:
It is prohibited to fly drones over or near critical infrastructure, including refineries, without explicit authorization.
This is subject to rules such as 14 CFR § 99.7, which deal with safety-sensitive airspace restrictions.
On international drone regulations: Many countries, such as the UK (CAA), Canada (Transport Canada), and EU countries (EASA), have similar restrictions on flying near sensitive or industrial facilities.
Is there a risk flying near a refinery?
To be clear, there is a risk flying near a refinery.
Once the pilot is not careful, the drone crashes, it is easy to cause an explosion risk. It's like you can't make a phone call for a long time at a gas station. The volatility of gasoline combined with the electromagnetic waves of the drone can cause equipment failure or static sparks, which may ignite these flammable gases, causing fire or explosion.
There may also be some sensitive equipment used in refinery operations, and drone driving will bring the risk of electromagnetic interference. So try to stay away.
Are there privacy and security issues flying near a refinery?
Unauthorized drones may be considered a surveillance threat. Many refineries even have anti-drone countermeasures and anti-drone equipment that may disable your drone.
At the same time, flying without permission may result in fines, equipment confiscation, or criminal charges.
How to fly legally near a refinery?
As drones enter commercial use, they are increasingly being used for safety and security at petrochemical facilities and refineries.
In fact, drones are enhancing safety and security at refineries and petrochemical plants. If you have a legitimate purpose for your flight, such as visual tank top, vessel and tower inspections by drone.
Follow these steps:
- Get permission:
- Contact refinery operator or management.
- Get authorization from local aviation authorities.
- Check airspace restrictions:
- Use the FAA’s B4UFLY app (in the U.S.) or other regional equivalents.
- Follow drone regulations:
- Fly within visual line of sight (VLOS).
- Avoid flying over people, machinery or restricted areas.
- Use certified equipment:
- Use drones that are inherently safe and designed for industrial environments.
Are there no-fly zones near refineries?
Since petrochemical facilities, refineries and power plants are classified as critical infrastructure, unauthorized drone flights are rarely allowed. As a result, most refineries have no-fly zones near them.
Autel drones are not strictly prohibited from taking off near no-fly zones. It is up to the drone pilot to decide whether to take off. We will remind you of the no-fly zones.
