10 Areas You Cannot Fly Over In The US

There are a few portions of the United States deemed as no-fly zones, which means airplanes are not permitted to fly overhead. In some cases, the United States government and its militaries will intercept an aircraft – either to bring them down to the ground or treat them as hostile and shoot them out of the sky in a very hostile manner. While instances like this are rare, they do happen from time to time, so pilots really need to know where they can fly and where they cannot. Here are ten areas you cannot fly over in the US.

George Washington’s Home – Mount Vernon, Virginia

Flying over Mount Vernon, which is the home to George Washington, is a huge issue with the Air Force. Due to it being a National Historic Landmark, the government enacted a no-fly zone. Aerial photography isn’t even allowed.

Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida

After the September 11 attacks on United States soil, Disney had a “temporary” no-fly zone written into a federal bill in 2003. This “temporary” act remains even today, though, for their Orlando theme park.

Disneyland – Anaheim, California

Much like their park in Orlando, the Disneyland in Anaheim has the same no-fly zone rules. These are in place due to how many people visit those parks on a daily basis, which makes them the perfect target for an aerial terrorist attack.

Bush Family Compound – Kennebunkport, Maine

In Kennebunkport, Maine, the Bush family compound is situated on a peninsula known as Walker’s Point. The area is a no-fly zone to keep former president George H.W. Bush and his family safe.

Pantex Nuclear Facility – Amarillo, Texas

In Amarillo, Texas, the Pantex Nuclear Facility is housed to “ensure the safety, security, and reliability” of every nuclear warhead in the United States. Because of how sensitive this material is, the area above is a no-fly zone, and it is taken very seriously these days.

Washington D.C.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, airspace over the country’s capital has become incredibly restricted. Any aircraft entering into the space is required to identify themselves immediately or be taken out of the air with extreme force.

Camp David – Thurmont, Maryland

Camp David is the presidential retreat and meeting place for the nation’s most powerful figures ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt. The compound is often the place where the president and his family gathers. There is currently a three-mile no-fly zone surrounding the area.

Kennedy Space Center – Merritt Island, Florida

The “Space Coast” on Merritt Island in Florida is a very popular place where people gather to witness a rocket launch. Because of military and NASA activity in the area, though, all civilian and commercial air traffic has been restricted entirely.

Area 51

Yes, Area 51 does exist within the western portion of the United States. It is a fabled military base said to house aliens and alien spacecraft. In reality, it is the home of incredible military technology and classified documents. The entire area is a no-fly zone, and the Air Force has no problem enforcing this.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Northern Minnesota

In Northern Minnesota, a million-acre expanse of wilderness runs 199 miles near the Canadian border. The area is home to 1200 lakes, glacier-carved canyons, and pure natural beauty. President Harry Truman enacted a no-fly zone in the area in 1948, and it is still in use today.