Drone Regulations and Compliance

Graphic with text 'New to Flying Drones?' over a blue background with three stars in a circle, resembling the Tennessee state emblem.
Graphic with text 'Not Sure What Type of Drone Flyer You Are?' over a blue background with three stars in a circle, resembling the Tennessee state emblem.

Federal Regulations:

Register Your Drone:

All drones must be registered, except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less (less than 250 grams) and are flown under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. The drone’s registration number must be displayed on the exterior surface of the drone. Registration is done through the FAA’s DroneZone website.

Requirements: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-89

How to Register Your Drone: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone

Drone Zone: https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/register

Key Resources:

Need to report a drone that is flying dangerously? How do I report a drone sighting? | Federal Aviation Administration

In special circumstances, the FAA may temporarily restrict access to certain designated areas of airspace, called Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). Learn more here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/temporary_flight_restrictions

Policy Document Library: https://www.faa.gov/uas/resources/policy_library

State Regulations:

TDOT would like to remind owners and operators to fly drones safely and follow the FAA regulations and best practices, whether operating commercially or recreationally. The State of Tennessee has several additional guidelines in place to ensure drones are used safely and responsibly. These regulations may not cover all aspects of drone operation, and remote pilots should always check local, state, and federal laws to ensure full compliance.

  • Law enforcement agencies must obtain a warrant or meet specific exceptions before using drones for surveillance, such as in emergencies, searches for missing persons, or disaster response. (T.C.A. § 39-13-609)
  • It is unlawful to use drones to interfere with hunting or fishing activities, and drone surveillance of individuals engaged in these activities without their consent is not allowed. (T.C.A. § 70-4-302)
  • Drone operators should follow federal aviation rules when using drones for purposes like mapping, surveying, or capturing images at public events. (T.C.A. § 39-13-902)

TN Airspace Map:

Would you like to see FAA UAS Data on a Map? Use this interactive map to see restricted areas and airspace classifications.

Visualize It: See FAA UAS Data on a Map

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations apply to the entire National Airspace System (NAS) — “unregulated” airspace does not exist. Drone operators and airport operators should be familiar with the difference between controlled (class B, C, D and E) and uncontrolled airspace, as well as where drones can be flown legally. Controlled airspace is found around some airports and at certain altitudes where air traffic controllers are actively communicating with, directing, and separating all air traffic. Other airspace is considered uncontrolled in the regard that air traffic controllers are not directing all air traffic within specific limits.

FAA UAS facility map showing controlled airspace zones over Nashville, Tennessee, with red and green grid cells indicating drone flight authorization areas.

Authorizations and Waivers: Requirements

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability):

In general, a drone can only be flown in uncontrolled airspace below 400 feet above the ground (AGL). Recreational and commercial drone operators are required to get permission from the FAA before flying in controlled airspace. The easiest way to do this is by using the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). LAANC can give you nearly instant permission to operate in controlled airspace. Authorizations in controlled airspace that does not have LAANC capabilities can be requested through Drone Zone. https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/laanc

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waiver:

A BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waiver allows drone operators to fly beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight, enabling expanded operational capabilities for inspections, deliveries, and other advanced applications. This waiver is essential for scaling drone operations while ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and maintaining airspace safety. It is illegal to fly a drone beyond the remote pilot’s line of sight without this approved waiver.

https://www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/instructions-drone-operators-completing-faa-form-7711-2

Privacy Protections:

Tennessee law includes protections to guide drone use so that drones are not used in ways that violate personal privacy. These measures help balance the benefits of drone technology with respect for personal privacy. These regulations may not cover all aspects of drone operation, and remote pilots should always check local, state, and federal laws to ensure full compliance.

  • Drones cannot be used to gather personal information or record individuals in private settings without proper authorization. Individuals who believe their privacy has been impacted by drone use have the option to seek legal recourse. (T.C.A § 39-13-609)
  • Capturing images of individuals in private settings without consent is prohibited. (T.C.A § 39-13-902)