Flight Resources
Practical guides for FAA Part 107 operators. Airspace, weather, regulations, and commercial operations.
The Complete Drone Flight Planning Checklist for Part 107 Pilots
A structured preflight process catches problems before they become incidents. This is the complete planning checklist for Part 107 commercial operations -- from the day before to the moment before launch.
How to Pass the FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test
The Part 107 aeronautical knowledge test covers airspace, weather, regulations, and operations. Here is exactly what to study, what to skip, and how to walk in ready.
How to Check Airspace Before Your Next Drone Flight
A practical five-step guide to checking airspace before any drone flight. Covers airspace classes, TFRs, restricted zones, the right tools, and how to document your check for commercial operations.
How to Get Your FAA Part 107 Drone License
Everything you need to know to pass the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate exam and start flying commercially. Study timeline, test content, registration steps, and what the certificate actually allows.
TRUST: The FAA Safety Test Every Recreational Drone Pilot Must Complete
TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) is the FAA-mandated safety certification for recreational drone flyers under §44809. Here is everything you need to know: what it is, how to take it, what it covers, and what it does not.
Recreational Pilot or Part 107: Which Drone Rules Apply to You?
Whether you fly for fun or for money determines which set of FAA rules governs every flight you make. Here is how to know which category you are in, what each requires, and where the rules overlap.
Drone Laws for Beginners: What You Need to Know Before Your First Flight
Flying a drone for the first time? Here are the federal rules every new pilot must know -- registration, TRUST, airspace authorization, Remote ID, and where you cannot fly -- before you ever take off.
The Part 107 Preflight Checklist Every Commercial Drone Pilot Should Use
A complete, step-by-step preflight checklist for Part 107 operators. Airspace, TFRs, weather, aircraft airworthiness, Remote ID, and pilot status: everything the FAA holds you responsible for before each flight.
How to Read a Drone Airspace Map (And What the Colors Mean)
The colored zones on a drone airspace map represent different airspace classes with different rules. Here is what each color means, why the boundaries exist, and how LAANC cells fit into the picture.
Class B Airspace and Drones: Rules, LAANC, and What to Expect
Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports in the US. Flying a drone in Class B requires LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver. Here is what Part 107 pilots need to know about Class B drone operations.
What Is a TFR? Temporary Flight Restrictions for Drone Pilots
TFRs can appear with less than an hour of notice and violations start at over $1,000. Here is everything a drone pilot -- recreational or Part 107 -- needs to know about Temporary Flight Restrictions: types, penalties, and how to check before every flight.
What Is LAANC and How Do You Get Drone Authorization?
LAANC gives drone pilots near-instant authorization to fly in controlled airspace. Here is exactly how it works, which apps support it, what to do when it is not available, and how to stay legal in Class B, C, D, and E airspace.
Your Drone App Says PERMIT REQ'D. Here's What That Means and What To Do.
PERMIT REQ'D means the location falls within a restricted zone where drone operations require advance authorization from a land manager -- separate from FAA airspace rules. Here is exactly what to do when you see it.
Can I Fly My Drone Here? How to Check Before Every Flight
The answer to 'can I fly my drone here' depends on airspace class, active TFRs, restricted zones, and local rules -- none of which are visible to the eye. Here is exactly how to check, free, in under 60 seconds.
Why We Changed 2,200+ Drone Zones from Red to Yellow
Regional parks, state parks, city ordinances, and local restrictions used to show a red PERMIT REQUIRED badge in UAS SkyCheck. Here is why that was wrong, what CHECK LOCAL RULES means, and how to use it.
How the UAS SkyCheck Safety Score Works
A complete breakdown of how UAS SkyCheck calculates your preflight safety score -- aircraft-aware wind thresholds, airspace penalties, altitude wind profiles, and everything that goes into the number.
What Is a FRIA? FAA-Recognized Identification Areas Explained
FRIAs are the one place you can legally fly a drone without Remote ID -- if you are a member of the operating club. Here is what they are, where to find them, and what the rules actually require inside one.
How to Read a METAR for Drone Pilots
METARs give you observed weather conditions at the nearest airport, more reliable than any forecast. Here is how to decode every field in a METAR and apply it to your preflight assessment before every flight.
What Is Density Altitude and Why It Matters for Drone Pilots
Density altitude is the altitude your drone's motors think they are at, and at high elevations or in hot, humid conditions, it can significantly reduce flight performance and battery life. Here is how to calculate it and what to do about it.
Can You Fly Drones at Night? Night Flying Rules for All Drone Pilots
Night drone flight is legal for all drone pilots -- no waiver required since 2021. The rule is the same whether you hold Part 107 or fly recreationally under §44809: anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. Here is everything you need to fly legally after dark.
FAA Remote ID Requirements: What Every Drone Pilot Needs to Know
Remote ID has been mandatory for all drone operators since September 2023. Here is what it is, which drones need it, how to comply, and what happens if you fly without it.
Drone Insurance: Do Part 107 Pilots Need It?
The FAA does not require drone insurance for Part 107 operations. Most clients do. Here is what hull and liability coverage actually protects, what it costs, and when it makes sense to carry it.
Flying Drones in National Parks: What the Rules Actually Are
The NPS bans drone operations in all national park units without a Special Use Permit. Here is what that means, which exceptions exist, how to apply for a permit, and how to check whether you are inside a park boundary before you fly.
Drone Laws in State Parks: What's Actually Allowed
State park drone rules vary by state, park system, and specific location. Here is how to find the actual rule that applies before you fly, and why checking airspace alone is not enough.
Flying Drones Near Stadiums, Arenas, and Sporting Events
Stadiums and sporting events trigger automatic FAA TFRs under 14 CFR 91.145, and they are active whether or not you knew the game was scheduled. Here is exactly what the rules are and how to check before you fly near any major venue.
Can I Fly a Drone Near a Hospital? What Pilots Need to Know
Hospital helipad no-fly zones affect hundreds of locations across the US. Here is what the restriction means, how far it extends, and what to do if your planned flight is near a medical facility.
Flying Drones Near Military Bases and MOAs: What Part 107 Pilots Need to Know
Military Operations Areas, restricted airspace, and base perimeters are some of the most consequential drone restrictions in the US. Here is how they work, what the differences are, and how to check before you fly.
Aerial Photography and Videography: A Drone Pilot's Field Guide
Great aerial footage starts before you launch. Camera settings, lighting windows, movement techniques, and the preflight habits that separate mediocre clips from shots that actually sell.
Rule of Thirds and Aerial Composition: How to Frame Drone Shots That Actually Work
Composition is the difference between a aerial snapshot and an image worth licensing. The rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry, and negative space applied specifically to drone photography.
GIS Mapping with Drones: How Aerial Data Becomes Useful Information
Drone mapping is one of the most commercially valuable Part 107 applications. Here is how GIS data is captured, processed, and delivered -- from mission planning to final deliverable.
Drone Real Estate Photography: What Agents Actually Want
Real estate is the most common first commercial drone job for new Part 107 pilots. Here is what listing agents expect, what actually sells homes, and how to deliver work that generates referrals.
Part 107 Recurrent Training: What Changes Every 24 Months
Your Part 107 certificate expires 24 months after the month it was issued. Here is exactly what recurrent training involves, when it is due, and what happens if you let it lapse.
How to Read a TAF Forecast for Drone Pilots
A TAF is a 24-30 hour aviation weather forecast issued every 6 hours for airports. It tells you what conditions are expected during your planned flight window -- before you drive to the site.
Can You Fly a Drone in Rain, Fog, or Wind? Weather Limits Explained
Most consumer drones are not waterproof. But weather limits go beyond the hardware. Part 107 visibility requirements, fog operations, and what wind speeds actually ground your aircraft.
Drone Wind Limits Under Part 107: What the Rules Actually Say
Part 107 does not specify a maximum wind speed for drone flight. Here is what the regulation actually requires, how to set your own safe wind limits by aircraft, and what our safety score penalizes and why.
Drone Battery Management: LiPo Safety, Storage, and Cold Weather
Lithium polymer batteries are the most maintenance-sensitive component on any drone. How you charge, store, and monitor them directly affects flight safety and how long they last.
Drones Near Wildfires: TFRs, Criminal Penalties, and Why It Matters
Flying a drone near a wildfire can ground aerial firefighting aircraft, endanger crews, and result in criminal charges. Here is how wildfire TFRs work and what drone pilots need to know before flying anywhere near a fire.
Drone Laws in California: State, County, and Local Rules
California has some of the most layered drone regulations in the country. Federal FAA rules set the floor, but state law, county ordinances, and local agency policies stack on top. Here is what applies where.
Drone Laws in Florida: A Complete Guide for Part 107 Pilots
Florida preempts local drone ordinances but has strong state-level privacy and critical infrastructure restrictions. This guide covers what Part 107 commercial pilots need to know before flying in Florida.
Drone Laws in Texas: What Part 107 Pilots Need to Know
Texas has some of the most detailed state-level drone laws in the country. This guide covers the Texas Unmanned Aircraft Act, no-fly zones, privacy restrictions, and what changes for commercial Part 107 operations in the Lone Star State.
Part 107 Waivers: What Gets Approved, What Doesn't, and How to Apply
Part 107 waivers allow operations that standard rules prohibit -- night flight (pre-2021), flight over people, and others. Here is how the waiver process works and what the FAA actually approves.
Flying a Drone Over People: Part 107 Category Requirements Explained
Part 107 prohibits flying over moving vehicles and people not involved in the operation -- with specific category-based exceptions. Here is what Category 1 through 4 actually require and how to qualify for each.
DroneDeploy vs Pix4D vs WebODM: Which Drone Mapping Software Is Right for You
The three most widely used drone mapping platforms serve different operators. Here is a direct comparison of capabilities, pricing, and the workflows each platform handles best.
Drone Construction Monitoring: A Practical Field Guide
Construction monitoring is one of the most commercially repeatable drone applications. Regular site surveys provide progress documentation, volume calculations, and deviation detection that saves project managers time and money.
The Best Drone Preflight App for Part 107 Pilots in 2026
Kittyhawk shut down. AirMap shifted focus to enterprise. What are the best preflight apps for commercial Part 107 pilots in 2026? We cover what to look for and how the options compare.
Wind Shear and Drones: What the Data Actually Means for Your Flight
Wind shear -- a sudden change in wind speed or direction at different altitudes -- is one of the least understood weather hazards for drone pilots. Here is how to read it, what causes it, and when to ground the aircraft.
Physical Pre-Flight Inspection: What to Check Before Every Drone Flight
Software checklists and airspace apps cover the regulatory side of preflight. The physical inspection covers the aircraft. Here is what to look for and why each check matters.
How to Start a Drone Business: A Practical Guide for Part 107 Pilots
Getting your Part 107 certificate is step one. Building a business around it requires licensing, insurance, pricing, and client acquisition. Here is the complete framework for launching a commercial drone operation.
How to Price Drone Services: A Framework for Part 107 Commercial Pilots
Pricing is where most new drone operators make their biggest mistakes. Too low and you work hard for nothing. Too high with nothing to show and you lose jobs to competitors. Here is the framework that works.
Drone Event Coverage: Weddings, Sports, and Outdoor Events
Event drone coverage is one of the most visible commercial applications -- and one of the most legally complex. Here is what Part 107 pilots need to know about airspace, over-people rules, and client expectations.
Drone Agriculture Applications: From Crop Monitoring to Precision Spraying
Agriculture is one of the largest and fastest-growing commercial markets for drone services. Here is how drones are used across the crop production cycle and what Part 107 pilots need to know to enter this sector.
Drone Inspection Services: Roofs, Towers, Solar Panels, and Infrastructure
Inspection is the highest-margin commercial drone application and does not require mapping software or specialized sensors for most entry-level work. Here is how drone inspection services work and where the opportunities are.
Advanced Drone Cinematography: Techniques That Actually Make It to the Edit
Most drone footage gets cut. Here is the specific shot vocabulary, movement language, and technical discipline that makes aerial footage worth keeping -- from experienced video editors and directors who work with drone operators regularly.
Flying Drones Over Water: Regulations, Risks, and What to Know Before You Launch
Water operations introduce specific hazards that land-based flying does not -- retrieval is difficult or impossible, salt air accelerates corrosion, and some waterways carry additional airspace restrictions. Here is the complete picture.
How to Read and Use NOTAMs for Drone Operations
NOTAMs -- Notices to Air Missions -- are official FAA advisories that affect flight operations. Every drone pilot should check NOTAMs before every flight. Here is how to find them, read them, and apply them.
LAANC: The Complete Guide to Drone Airspace Authorization
LAANC -- the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability -- is how drone pilots get near-instant authorization to fly in controlled airspace. Here is exactly how it works, which apps support it, and what to do when LAANC is not available.
Drone Wildlife Photography: Legal Limits, Safe Distances, and Best Practices
Wildlife photography from a drone produces footage that no ground camera can match -- and creates legal exposure that no other aerial application carries quite the same way. Here is how to do it legally and ethically.
Drone Thermal Imaging: Applications, Equipment, and How to Read Thermal Data
Thermal cameras on drones detect heat rather than visible light, revealing information invisible to standard cameras. Here is where thermal drone imaging is used commercially, what equipment is required, and how to interpret what you see.
FPV Drones Explained: Racing, Freestyle, and What Part 107 Pilots Need to Know
First-person view drones are a different category of aircraft with different equipment, skills, and regulatory requirements. Here is what FPV is, how it differs from standard drone operations, and where Part 107 applies.
Drones in Search and Rescue: How UAVs Are Changing Emergency Response
Search and rescue is one of the most impactful applications for drone technology. Thermal cameras, rapid deployment, and aerial perspective have made UAVs a primary tool for many SAR teams. Here is how it works.
Flying Drones in Cold Weather: A Complete Winter Operations Guide
Cold weather changes almost everything about how your drone performs -- battery capacity, motor efficiency, GPS accuracy, and controller responsiveness. Here is how to manage winter operations safely.
Situational Awareness for Drone Pilots: Human Factors and Decision-Making
Most drone incidents trace back to human factors -- distraction, complacency, pressure to complete the mission. Here is how to build the situational awareness habits that prevent them.
DJI Mini Series FAA Rules: Registration, Remote ID, and LAANC by Model
The DJI Mini lineup spans the 250g legal threshold in ways that affect registration, Remote ID, and LAANC requirements. Here is what each model requires under FAA rules and what changes for Part 107 pilots versus recreational flyers.
Drone Laws by State: What Changes Beyond Federal FAA Rules
FAA regulations set the federal floor for drone operations across the US. But state legislatures, counties, and cities have added their own rules on top. Here is how the state law landscape varies and what to check before flying in a new state.
How to Share a Drone Preflight Check with Your Client
Commercial drone pilots often need to show clients or site supervisors their preflight check before a shoot. Here is the fastest way to do it without printing PDFs or screenshotting apps.
Flying Near Uncontrolled Airstrips: What Part 107 Pilots Need to Know
There are over 12,000 uncontrolled GA airstrips in the US. Most do not show up on basic drone maps. Here is what Part 107 pilots need to know about flying near them.
GPS Health for Drone Pilots: What the Kp Index Means and When It Matters
Most drone preflight checks ignore GPS reliability. Here is what the Kp index measures, when geomagnetic storms actually affect your drone, and what to do when GPS health is poor.
Flying Drones in Class D Airspace: Authorization, Tower Hours, and What Pilots Miss
Class D airspace surrounds towered airports and requires authorization before you fly. Here is exactly what Part 107 pilots need to know, including what happens when the tower closes.
Flying Drones in Class C Airspace: What Part 107 Pilots Need to Know
Class C airspace surrounds mid-size airports and requires authorization before you fly. Here is how it works, how it differs from Class D, and what TRACON means for drone pilots.
Flying Drones in Class G Airspace: What Part 107 Pilots Need to Know
Class G is uncontrolled airspace -- the default for most drone flights. No authorization required, but there are still rules. Here is what Part 107 pilots need to know.
Visual Line of Sight for Drone Pilots: The Rule, the Limits, and the Exceptions
Part 107 requires visual line of sight at all times. Here is exactly what that means, how far you can actually fly, and the legal exceptions that allow beyond visual line of sight operations.
Class E Airspace for Drone Pilots: The Most Confusing Airspace Class Explained
Class E is controlled airspace that doesn't always require authorization -- but sometimes it does. Here is how to tell the difference and why the surface extension matters.
Drone Operations Over Tribal Lands: What Pilots Need to Know
Tribal lands have their own regulatory framework for drone operations. Federal Part 107 rules apply, but tribes have sovereign authority that adds layers many pilots miss.
B4UFLY App Review 2026: What It Shows and What It Misses
B4UFLY is the FAA's official drone app. It tells you the airspace class at your location. That's useful, but it's a fraction of what a real preflight check requires.
Best Time to Fly a Drone: Weather, Wind, and Light for Drone Pilots
The best time to fly a drone is usually early morning, 1-2 hours after sunrise. Here is why that window works, how to find your specific best window today using live forecasts, and what conditions to avoid entirely.
The Drone 400-Foot Rule: What It Actually Says and the Exceptions That Matter
The 400-foot AGL ceiling is the rule every drone pilot knows. What fewer pilots know are the exceptions -- and the situations where the rule is stricter than 400 feet.
AirMap in 2026: What Happened and What Pilots Use Instead
AirMap shifted focus to enterprise UTM and is no longer a practical option for individual Part 107 pilots. Here is what changed and what fills the gap.
Drone Operations Over Moving Vehicles: What Part 107 Actually Allows
Flying over moving cars and vehicles was prohibited under original Part 107. The 2021 rule update changed that -- but only under specific conditions most pilots don't know about.
How to Apply for a Part 107 Waiver: Process, Timeline, and What Gets Approved
Part 107 waivers let you fly outside standard rules -- night without lights, BVLOS, over people. Here is how the application works, what the FAA actually approves, and how long it takes.
Drone Insurance for Commercial Operators: What You Need and What to Look For
Part 107 does not require drone insurance, but commercial clients usually do. Here is what coverage commercial drone pilots actually need and how the major policies differ.
Flying Drones Near Power Lines and Critical Infrastructure
Power lines, substations, pipelines, and water treatment facilities all have specific rules for drone operations nearby. Here is what Part 107 pilots need to know.
Emergency TFRs: What Drone Pilots Need to Know About Disaster and Wildfire Restrictions
Emergency TFRs issued for wildfires, floods, and disaster response have grounded drone pilots and in some cases resulted in federal charges. Here is how they work and why they matter.
FRIA: The Remote ID Exception for Recreational Drone Pilots
FRIAs (FAA-Recognized Identification Areas) are designated zones where drones without Remote ID can fly legally. Here is how they work, where to find them, and who they are for.
Flying a Drone at the Beach and Near Water: What Pilots Need to Know
Beach and coastal drone flying looks simple but involves a mix of airspace classes, state park rules, wildlife refuges, and Navy/Coast Guard proximity that catches many pilots off guard. Here is what to check before you fly.
Drone Accident Reporting: What Part 107 Pilots Are Required to Report
FAA regulations require Part 107 pilots to report certain drone accidents. Most pilots do not know the exact thresholds. Here is what triggers a reporting requirement, how to file a report, and what happens after you do.
Can You Fly a Drone From a Moving Vehicle Under Part 107?
Part 107 allows UAS operations from moving vehicles under specific conditions. Here is exactly what the regulation permits, where the restrictions apply, and how to structure your operations legally.
Can You Fly a Drone Over Private Property? The Legal Reality
The FAA controls airspace, not land owners. But that does not make overflying private property a legal free-for-all. Here is what federal law, state law, and practical risk actually look like for drone pilots.
Drone Real Estate Photography: What Agents Actually Want
Real estate is the most common first commercial drone job for new Part 107 pilots. Here is what listing agents expect, what actually sells homes, and how to deliver work that generates referrals.
Night Drone Flying Under Part 107: What Changed in 2021 and How to Do It Legally
The FAA eliminated the night waiver requirement for Part 107 pilots in 2021. Night operations are now permitted with an anti-collision light -- but there are conditions many pilots miss.
Flying a Drone in a National Forest: Rules, Permits, and What's Different from National Parks
National forests are managed by the US Forest Service under different rules than national parks. Drone flight is often permitted -- but specific forests, wilderness areas, and activities have their own restrictions. Here is what to know.
Cold Weather Drone Flying: Battery Performance, Safe Temperatures, and Winter Tips
Cold temperatures affect drone battery performance, motor efficiency, and electronic reliability in predictable ways. Here is what you need to know to fly safely and protect your equipment in winter conditions.
FAA Drone Registration: Who Needs It, How to Register, and What Happens If You Don't
FAA drone registration is required for any drone weighing 0.55 lbs or more. Here is a complete guide to registration requirements, the process, penalties, and how registration interacts with Remote ID.
FPV Drone Rules: What Part 107 Requires and How the FPV Exception Works
FPV drone pilots face the same FAA regulations as any other drone operator -- with one significant difference: VLOS. Here is how FPV flight fits (and sometimes doesn't fit) into Part 107, and what the FPV waiver option covers.
Flying a Drone in New York City: What the Rules Actually Allow
New York City has some of the most restrictive drone regulations in the US -- a combination of controlled airspace, a city-wide ordinance, and park restrictions that leaves very few legal options. Here is what pilots need to know.
How to Start a Drone Business: Part 107, Insurance, Pricing, and Finding Clients
Turning a drone hobby into a business requires FAA certification, business registration, insurance, and a clear understanding of how to price commercial work. Here is a practical guide to starting a drone services business.
Drone Laws in Colorado: State, Local, and Wilderness Rules
Colorado has some of the most active drone use in the country -- and some of the most complex regulations. Federal FAA rules, state preemption law, Rocky Mountain National Park restrictions, and local ordinances all apply. Here is what to know before you fly.
Drone Laws in Washington State: Federal, State, and Local Rules
Washington state has active controlled airspace around Seattle-Tacoma, strict rules in national parks and wilderness areas, and growing local ordinances. Here is the complete picture for Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers.
Drone Laws in Arizona: Federal, State, and Tribal Land Rules
Arizona has active airspace around Phoenix and Tucson, the Grand Canyon's strict no-fly zone, significant tribal land considerations, and a state preemption law. Here is what Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers need to know.
Drone Laws in Georgia: Atlanta Airspace, State Law, and Local Rules
Georgia drone pilots face some of the busiest commercial airspace in the country around Atlanta, a state law that limits local drone ordinances, and specific rules for state parks and military installations. Here is what to know.
Drone Laws in North Carolina: State Preemption, RDU Airspace, and Coastal Rules
North Carolina has a strong state preemption law, busy airspace around Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, specific rules along the Outer Banks, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore restrictions. Here is what drone pilots need to know.
Drone Laws in Ohio: State Law, Columbus Airspace, and Local Rules
Ohio has a clear state preemption framework, busy Class C airspace in Columbus and Cleveland, and growing commercial drone activity in agriculture and infrastructure. Here is what Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers need to know.
Drone Laws in New Jersey: State Rules, Local Restrictions, and What Changes Near NYC
New Jersey has no single statewide drone law, but a patchwork of municipal ordinances, state park restrictions, Pinelands rules, and FAA-controlled airspace around Newark, EWR, and the New York metro area makes NJ one of the more complex states to fly in.
Drone Laws in Virginia: Flying Near Washington DC, Military Bases, and State Restrictions
Virginia has some of the most restricted airspace in the United States. The DC Flight Restricted Zone, seven active military installations, and dense controlled airspace around DCA, IAD, and BWI make Virginia a state where assuming Class G is often dangerously wrong.
Drone Laws in Illinois: Flying Near Chicago, O'Hare, and What State Law Requires
Illinois has dense controlled airspace around Chicago O'Hare and Midway, a meaningful state drone privacy statute, and a patchwork of Cook County and municipal rules. Here is what Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers need to know.
Drone Laws in Indiana: Part 107, Local Rules, and Indianapolis Airspace
Indiana has strong state aviation preemption law (IC 8-21-10) that limits local drone ordinances, but FAA airspace rules, Part 107 requirements, and National Park Service restrictions still apply in full.
Drone Laws in Maryland: Flying Near Washington DC, BWI, and the Chesapeake Bay
Maryland sits directly inside the Washington DC Flight Restricted Zone in its western and central counties, with BWI Class B airspace covering the Baltimore corridor. Understanding which rules apply where is essential before flying anywhere in the state.
Drone Laws in Pennsylvania: State Preemption, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and What Act 74 Actually Means
Pennsylvania passed a drone preemption law in 2016 that limits local ordinances -- but it does not do what many pilots think it does. Here is what Pennsylvania law actually says, plus the airspace picture for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Drone Laws in Nevada: Las Vegas Airspace, NRS Chapter 493, and What the Gaming Authority Controls
Nevada has enacted state drone preemption law under NRS Chapter 493, but Las Vegas presents unique airspace challenges from Harry Reid International Airport and gaming resort security perimeters that pilots must navigate carefully.
Drone Laws in Michigan: The Michigan UAS Act, Detroit Airspace, and Great Lakes Operations
Michigan enacted the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (MCL 259.303) in 2023, one of the most comprehensive state drone frameworks in the country. Here is what Part 107 pilots and commercial operators need to know about state law, Detroit airspace, and flying over the Great Lakes.
Drone Laws in Minnesota: Privacy Statute, MSP Class B, and BWCAW Wilderness Operations
Minnesota's drone privacy law (MS 360.063) creates criminal and civil exposure for surveillance operations. Combined with the Minneapolis-St. Paul Class B corridor, Camp Ripley MOAs, and Boundary Waters wilderness rules, here is what Part 107 pilots need to know.
Drone Laws in Missouri: State Preemption, St. Louis, and Kansas City Airspace
Missouri's drone law (MO Rev. Stat. 305.230) gives state government authority over drone operations and limits local ordinances. FAA Part 107 rules, airspace authorization, and federal land restrictions still apply in full.
Drone Laws in Oregon: ORS 837 Privacy Statute, PDX Class C, and Crater Lake
Oregon has one of the country's strongest drone surveillance statutes (ORS 837.380) with criminal and civil penalties. Add Portland's Class C airspace, Crater Lake NPS restrictions, and Oregon state park rules -- here is what Part 107 pilots need to know.
Drone Laws in Tennessee: TCA 39-13-903, Oak Ridge Nuclear, BNA Class C, and Music City Filming
Tennessee's drone surveillance statute (TCA 39-13-903) creates criminal misdemeanor exposure for voyeuristic operations. Add Nashville's Class C airspace, Oak Ridge's permanent nuclear TFR, and the state's booming commercial filming market -- here is what Part 107 pilots need to know.
Drone Laws in Washington DC: The Flight Restricted Zone Explained
Washington DC has the most restrictive drone airspace in the United States. The 15 NM Flight Restricted Zone around Reagan National Airport prohibits all drone operations without a specific FAA security waiver -- and LAANC does not apply inside it. Here is what pilots must know.
Drone Laws in Massachusetts: Boston Logan Class B, State Privacy Law, and Cape Cod Rules
Massachusetts has Logan International Airport Class B airspace covering the Greater Boston area, a meaningful state drone privacy statute, and significant NPS-managed land on Cape Cod. Here is what commercial operators and recreational pilots need to know.
Drone Laws in Utah: Zion, Bryce, Arches, and What the National Parks Actually Prohibit
Utah has five national parks, each with NPS no-drone policies, plus Salt Lake City Class C airspace and Hill Air Force Base restricted areas. The combination makes Utah one of the most frequently misunderstood states for drone pilots -- the scenery is everywhere, but most of the best locations are prohibited.
Drone Laws in Hawaii: Inter-Island Operations, Pearl Harbor Airspace, and NPS Rules on Volcanoes and Haleakala
Hawaii's drone environment is unlike any other state: each island has its own airport with Class C or D airspace, Pearl Harbor and Hickam create significant restricted airspace on Oahu, and two national parks -- Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala -- prohibit drone operations. Here is what pilots need to know.
Drone Laws in New York State: Beyond NYC, State Law, and Upstate Airspace
New York has a drone privacy statute with criminal provisions, Class B airspace around JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark covering the metro, and extensive Adirondack Park land with its own rules. Here is what drone pilots need to know for operations across the entire state.
Kittyhawk Shut Down: The Best Alternatives for Drone Pilots in 2026
Kittyhawk closed in 2023. If you relied on it for preflight checks, airspace authorization, or flight logs, here are the best replacements available now -- including one that goes further than Kittyhawk ever did.
What Is a Drone Preflight Check? (And Why It's Required)
A drone preflight check is the process of verifying that a planned flight is legal, safe, and properly authorized before leaving the ground. Here is what it covers, why it is required, and how to do one in under two minutes.
Drone Roof Inspection Guide: Equipment, Flight Patterns, and Part 107 Requirements
Roof inspection is the largest commercial drone vertical by job count. This guide covers equipment selection, flight patterns, altitude, safety considerations, deliverables, and the Part 107 requirements that apply to every commercial roof inspection job.