Overview
Alaska Statutes § 11.41+ address privacy, trespass, and stalking. Extensive national parks and wildlife sanctuaries restrict operations. Remote location challenges.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Alaska. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Alaska Statutes § 11.46.130: Trespass via unauthorized drone flight
- Alaska Statutes § 11.41.270: Stalking via drone surveillance
- Alaska Statutes § 11.41.230: Assault via reckless drone operations
- Alaska Statutes § 11.46.620: Invasion of privacy via drone surveillance
- Alaska Department of Fish & Game: No drones in wildlife sanctuaries/protected areas
- Denali National Park: Federal airspace restrictions — no civilian operations
- Glacier Bay National Park: Restricted airspace — special permission required
- Tongass National Forest: Special Use Permit for any commercial drone operations
- Anchorage International: Class B airspace requires LAANC authorization
- Alaska Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over school property
- Alaska State Parks: No drone operations without Special Use authorization
- Alaska Department of Health: Hospital/emergency facility airspace protected
- Alaska Code § 46.15.010: Protected school zones during school operations
- Alaska wetland/aquatic areas: Protected habitat zones — no unauthorized drones
- Alaska Code § 11.41.250: Reckless endangerment via drone operations
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Alaska
Recreational drone pilots in Alaska must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Alaska
Commercial drone operations in Alaska require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Alaska must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://www.nps.gov/glba/
- https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp
- https://education.alaska.gov/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
- https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/
- https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/tongass
- https://dnr.alaska.gov/
- https://www.dhss.alaska.gov/
- https://www.nps.gov/dena/