ATC services are NOT provided for which type of aircraft?

ATC services are not provided for model aircraft or any Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flying at or below 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) because these types of operations fall under the guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for recreational use. The FAA distinguishes between manned aircraft operations that require air traffic control (ATC) services and those that do not.

Model aircraft and recreational drones typically operate in uncontrolled airspace and are subject to specific regulations that allow for their use without ATC oversight, especially when they remain below the 400-foot altitude limit. This regulation is designed to promote safety and ensure that these smaller, less equipped aircraft do not interfere with the operations of commercial and other manned aircraft that do rely on ATC services.

In contrast, commercial jets, military aircraft, and civilian drones operating at night generally fall under operational guidelines that necessitate ATC communication for safety and coordination purposes, as they can potentially enter controlled airspaces and need to adhere to specific traffic management protocols.