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 Arkansas
Arkansas Code § 5-71+ address stalking, harassment, and privacy. Ozark National Forest has federal restrictions. State parks and wildlife areas protected.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Trespass via unauthorized drone flight
- Stalking via drone surveillance laws apply
- Harassment via drone: repeated contact/surveillance
- Voyeurism: recording/photographing without consent laws apply
- Menacing via threatening drone operations
- Little Rock Air Force Base: Restricted military airspace
- Ozark National Forest: Special Use Permit for commercial operations
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: No drones in game management areas
- Arkansas State Parks: No drone operations without Special Use authorization
- Little Rock Regional: Class B coordination required
- Arkansas Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over schools
- Arkansas Department of Health: Hospital/emergency facility airspace protected
- Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality: Wetland/aquatic area protection
- Arkansas Public Service Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
- Dangerous equipment: reckless endangerment via drone
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.
Official Resources
Federal resources: FAA UAS LAANC FAA DroneZone