Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in Alabama
Alabama Code § 13A allows recreational/commercial drone operations. State trespass, stalking, and harassment laws apply strictly. State parks and wildlife areas are protected.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- Trespass via unauthorized drone flight over private property
- Stalking: drone surveillance with intent to harass/threaten
- Assault: reckless drone operations causing injury
- Disorderly conduct via drone operations
- Harassment: repeated drone surveillance intended to vex
- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: State parks — no drones without permit
- Alabama Wildlife Management Areas: No drone operations without approval
- Talladega National Forest: Special Use Permit required for commercial operations
- Birmingham Shuttlesworth International: Class B airspace requires LAANC
- Alabama Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over school property
- Eavesdropping via drone without consent is criminal
- Alabama Public Service Commission: No interference with utility infrastructure
- Alabama Department of Public Health: Hospital/medical facility airspace protected
- Alabama waterway restrictions: No drone operations over protected water features
- Criminal harassment via drone is felony offense
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified.
Public property / permit situations
Insurance may still be required by clients, venues, public-property permits, or local film and operations permits.
Practical takeaway
Verify local permit conditions before flight and confirm insurance language in every contract or venue requirement.
Resources for Flyers
- FAA UAS: faa.gov/uas
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
- LAANC / authorizations: FAA airspace authorization
- B4UFLY: Check airspace restrictions
- TFR checker: tfr.faa.gov