Drone Laws in North Carolina: Approved A to Z Guide

Drones are becoming more widely used and more affordable for a variety of tasks, including delivery, surveying, mapping, photography, videography, and entertainment. But owning a drone and taking off are not the same thing. Drone operators are required to adhere to certain norms and regulations in order to protect their own privacy and the privacy of others.

This article will discuss the drone regulations in North Carolina that affect both commercial and recreational drone operators. Additionally, we will offer some pointers and resources on how to operate your drone ethically and legally in North Carolina.

North Carolina Federal Drone Regulations

Let’s explore the federal drone regulations that are applicable to all states in the U.S., including North Carolina, before we delve into the state-specific drone laws in North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is in charge of drone safety in the United States, drafted these laws.

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Recreational Drone Laws North Carolina

You are regarded as a recreational drone user if you utilize a drone for enjoyment or amusement. You must adhere to the following rules in order to fly a drone for fun in North Carolina:

• You are required to take and carry the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) certification.
• If your drone weighs greater than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA and label it with your registration number.
• You are required to fly your drone no higher than 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or 400 feet over a building.
• You must use a visible observer or fly your drone inside visual line of sight (VLOS).
• Without the FAA’s prior approval, you may not fly your drone close to other aircraft or in restricted airspace.
• Unless they are directly involved in the activity, inside a covered structure, or within a parked vehicle, you may not fly your drone over people or moving vehicles.
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in a negligent or reckless manner, you must not operate your drone

Commercial Drone Laws in North Carolina

You are regarded as a commercial drone user if you utilize a drone for professional or business objectives. You must adhere to the following guidelines in order to operate a drone for a living in North Carolina:

• You must pass an aeronautical knowledge test or satisfy the requirements for Part 61 pilot certificate holders in order to get a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.
• If your drone weighs greater than 0.55 lbs (250 g), you must register it with the FAA and label it with your registration number.
• You must abide by Part 107’s operational guidelines, which include:
  • Drone flight below 400 feet AGL or 400 feet above a building.
  • use a visual observer or flying your drone within visual line of sight.
  • not using a drone in restricted airspace or in close proximity to other aircraft without the FAA’s prior consent.
  • Unless they are actively involved in the activity, behind a covered structure, or inside a parked vehicle, avoid flying your drone over people or moving vehicles.
  • not using your drone carelessly or recklessly, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • requesting an FAA waiver for certain operations that don’t comply with Part 107 regulations.

State Drone Laws in North Carolina

The state of North Carolina has passed several additional regulations that are particular to drone operations in North Carolina in addition to the federal drone laws. Below is a summary of these regulations, which were developed by the North Carolina General Assembly.

HB 128 // 2017

This law:

• Prohibits the use of UAS close to a penal facility, with the exception of those acting in official capacities or with the warden’s express written approval.

HB 337 // 2017

This law:

• Gives permission for the use of UAS in emergency management tasks such incident command, neighborhood reconnaissance, search and rescue, preliminary damage assessment, hazard risk management, and floodplain mapping.
• Exempts model aircraft from the training and permitting requirements for UAS and makes other revisions to bring state law into compliance with federal law.

SB 446 // 2015

This law:

• Changes the state’s regulation of UAS to comply with FAA criteria and increases the Chief Information Officer’s ability to approve the state’s purchase and operation of UAS.

NCAC 13B .1204 // 2018

This North Carolina administrative code:

• Prohibits drones from rising or taking off on any land or water surface within or adjacent to a state park.

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Local Drone Laws in North Carolina 

Local drone laws in North Carolina were developed by various state agencies and are regulations that only apply to particular areas, cities, or counties within the state. Before flying your drone in a particular region, it’s crucial to check the local drone laws as they may complement or diverge from North Carolina’s federal and state drone restrictions.

We will examine a few of the municipal drone regulations in North Carolina that we mentioned previously in order to provide a more thorough explanation of their meaning and the reasons they were put into place.

• Town of Chapel Hill – The enforcement of current FAA drone rules is permitted by this town code. As a result, drone users are required to adhere to the same regulations and guidelines as the FAA, including registering their devices, keeping altitudes below 400 feet, and avoiding restricted airspace. Additionally, drone operators are not allowed to fly over or close to any public gathering or event without the town manager’s or the event’s organizer’s authorization, according to the town ordinance. The municipal law was put into place to safeguard Chapel Hill’s citizens’ safety and privacy as well as to avert any disruption of emergency services or other public safety initiatives.
• Town of Beech Mountain – This local law forbids the use of drones inside the town borders unless the town manager gives prior approval. This means that before flying their drones anywhere inside the town limits, drone operators must receive written permission from the town manager. Additionally, drone pilots must register their devices, fly at altitudes no higher than 400 feet, and stay out of restricted airspace, according to the municipal code. The town’s law was passed to safeguard the security and privacy of its citizens and guests, as well as to maintain the town’s serenity and natural beauty.
• Town of Wrightsville Beach – Without a permit from the town manager, drone use is not permitted on or over any public beach strand or public park. This implies that before flying their drones over any public beach or park inside the town limits, drone owners must receive a formal authorization from the town manager. Additionally, drone pilots must register their devices, fly at altitudes no higher than 400 feet, and stay out of restricted airspace, according to the municipal code. The town’s law was passed to safeguard the security and privacy of its citizens and guests, as well as to stop any harm or disturbance to the town’s animals and natural surroundings.
• Town of Emerald Isle – According to this town regulation, using drones in or over any public park or beach requires a permission slip from the town manager. This implies that before flying their drones over any public beach or park inside the town limits, drone owners must receive a formal authorization from the town manager. Additionally, drone pilots must register their devices, fly at altitudes no higher than 400 feet, and stay out of restricted airspace, according to the municipal code. The town law was put into place to safeguard the security and privacy of Emerald Isle inhabitants and guests, as well as to stop any disturbance or harm to the town’s wildlife and natural environment.
• Town of Nags Head – According to this town regulation, using drones in or over any public park or beach requires a permission slip from the town manager. This implies that before flying their drones over any public beach or park inside the town limits, drone owners must receive a formal authorization from the town manager. Additionally, drone pilots must register their devices, fly at altitudes no higher than 400 feet, and stay out of restricted airspace, according to the municipal code. The town law was put into place to safeguard the security and privacy of Nags Head residents and guests, as well as to stop any disturbance or harm to the town’s animals and natural environment.

These local drone regulations in North Carolina provide further information about what they mean and their justifications. Do your study before flying your drone in North Carolina as there may be more local drone regulations in other parts of the state. For further details about regional drone regulations in North Carolina, you may also get in touch with the local government or visit their websites.

Tips and Resources for Flying Your Drone in North Carolina

Here are some advice and resources to assist you fly your drone safely and ethically in North Carolina now that you are aware of the regulations.

• Before you fly, check the airspace. To find out if there are any rules or regulations in your area, utilize apps like B4UFLY, AirMap, or Kittyhawk.
• Obtain permission to fly in regulated airspace. The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system allows you to ask the FAA for permission and get it almost immediately.
• Observe other people’s property rights and privacy. Never use a drone to fly over private property or to capture images or videos of individuals without their permission.
• the best practices recommended by the drone community. The Drone Pilot’s Code of Conduct of the FAA and the Safety Code of the Academy of Model Aeronautics both provide extra information on the dos and don’ts of drone flying.
• Keep up with the most recent developments in drone legislation. For more information, go to the websites for the North Carolina Department of Transportation or the FAA.

Conclusion

Although operating a drone can be enjoyable and rewarding, there are duties and obligations involved. You can make sure you are flying your drone legally and safely in North Carolina by abiding by all local, state, and federal drone regulations.

We trust that this post has given you more knowledge about North Carolina’s local drone regulations and how to abide by them. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments in the space provided below. A happy flight!

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