Chapter 266 - Aeronautics

Sec. 15-101b. Definitions. As used in this section and sections 15-101c and 15-101d:

(1) “Aircraft” and “unmanned aircraft” have the same meanings as provided in section 15-34;

(2) “Ammunition” has the same meaning as provided in section 53a-217;

(3) “Armed forces of the state” has the same meaning as such term is used in section 27-2;

(4) “Armed forces of the United States” means armed forces, as defined in section 27-103;

(5) “Critical infrastructure facility” means (A) the following types of properties, provided any such property is completely enclosed by a fence or other physical barrier that is clearly designed to exclude intruders from such property, or the property is clearly marked with at least one sign that is posted on the property, reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders on such property and indicates that the operation of unmanned aircraft is prohibited: (i) An electrical generating facility, electric substation or switchyard or electric control system, (ii) a facility for storing, receiving or processing petroleum products and other fuels, (iii) a chemical or rubber manufacturing or storage facility, (iv) a correctional facility, (v) a telecommunications central office or wireless telecommunications infrastructure, (vi) a commercial port, harbor, rail yard, truck terminal or other freight transportation facility, (vii) a plant for the manufacture and distribution of gas, (viii) a transmission facility of a television or radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, (ix) any portion of an above-ground oil, gas or chemical pipeline, (x) a dam classified as a high or significant hazard by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, (xi) an air navigation facility, as defined in section 15-34, (xii) a military facility, as defined in section 27-39, (xiii) a reservoir, water treatment plant, distribution system and pumping station or wastewater treatment plant, collection system and pump station, (xiv) a facility used primarily by a defense contractor, as defined in 32 CFR 158.3, as amended from time to time, (xv) a government office building, (xvi) a hospital, (xvii) a public safety building or facility, (xviii) a state or locally owned bridge; or (B) a limited access highway, as defined in section 14-1, or a tunnel located on a limited access highway;

(6) “Dangerous instrument” has the same meaning as provided in section 53a-3;

(7) “Deadly weapon” has the same meaning as provided in section 53a-3;

(8) “Explosive or incendiary device” has the same meaning as provided in section 53-206b;

(9) “Firearm” has the same meaning as provided in section 53a-3;

(10) “Firefighter” has the same meaning as provided in section 7-313g;

(11) “Person” means any individual, association, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, government, governmental subdivision, agency, instrumentality or other legal entity;

(12) “Police officer” has the same meaning as provided in section 7-294a; and

(13) “Public service company” has the same meaning as provided in section 16-1.

(P.A. 25-1, S. 6.)

Sec. 15-101c. Prohibitions re unmanned aircraft and critical infrastructure facilities. Exceptions. Penalty. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, no person shall (1) operate any unmanned aircraft, or program an unmanned aircraft to operate, at a height of less than two hundred fifty feet above ground level of a critical infrastructure facility or within one hundred horizontal feet of a critical infrastructure facility or, in the case of a tunnel, inside such tunnel, or (2) use any unmanned aircraft to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence of or collect information concerning a critical infrastructure facility unless such person has obtained prior approval of the owner or administrator of such critical infrastructure facility.

(b) The provisions of subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a person operating an unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes in compliance with authorization granted by the Federal Aviation Administration to the extent such operation is necessary for such commercial purpose.

(c) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to the operation of an unmanned aircraft by, or on behalf of, an employee of the federal government, the state or a political subdivision of the state, a member of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the armed forces of the state, a firefighter, a police officer, an emergency management director or an employee of a public service company when such operation is in the performance of the official duties of such employee, member, firefighter, officer or director.

(d) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(P.A. 25-1, S. 7.)

Sec. 15-101d. Prohibition re equipping aircraft or unmanned aircraft with deadly weapons, dangerous instruments, firearms, ammunition or explosive or incendiary devices. Exception. Penalty. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no person shall equip an aircraft or unmanned aircraft with a deadly weapon, a dangerous instrument, a firearm, ammunition or an explosive or incendiary device.

(b) The provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to any aircraft or unmanned aircraft operated by (1) a member of the armed forces of the United States or armed forces of the state while engaged in the performance of such member's official duties, or (2) a police officer, firefighter or emergency management director while engaged in rescue services or the provision of emergency services to persons who are in dangerous or perilous circumstances when such aircraft or unmanned aircraft is equipped with a motorized breaching tool.

(P.A. 25-1, S. 8.)