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Aurora, Colorado Drone Laws

Find local drone regulations, ordinances, and airspace restrictions for Aurora, Colorado. Compliance requirements for recreational and Part 107 pilots.

Updated regularly Informational use only
Informational use only. This site is not legal advice, aviation advice, or an official FAA or local-government publication. Rules, restrictions, authorizations, and local requirements can change. Verify current requirements with the FAA, B4UFLY, LAANC/UAS service suppliers, airport operators, property owners, and local authorities before flight.

City overview

Overview

Aurora is located in Colorado. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Colorado has specific drone statutes beyond federal Part 107. C.R.S. § 18-7-801 prohibits using a drone to capture images of private individuals without consent. C.R.S. § 18-4-504 establishes criminal trespass by drone over private property. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) prohibits drone use in all state parks and wildlife areas without a permit. Aurora is unique in that Denver International Airport (KDEN) is physically located within Aurora's city limits (Adams County), making KDEN Class B airspace a surface-level restriction across much of the city.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

  • C.R.S. § 18-7-801: Unlawful to use drone to capture images of private individuals without consent
  • C.R.S. § 18-4-504: Criminal trespass by drone — flying over private property without consent
  • CPW prohibits drones in all Colorado state parks without a permit
  • KDEN Class B airspace begins at the surface over much of Aurora — LAANC required
  • Buckley Space Force Base (KBKF) restricted airspace on Aurora's southeast side
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for commercial operations
  • FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. Recreational: FAA drone registration required for UAS over 0.55 lbs. LAANC authorization required for virtually all of Aurora due to KDEN Class B and KBKF restricted airspace — use DroneZone or approved apps. Aurora parks flying requires written approval from Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space.

Official Statute Links

City-specific rules

City-Specific Rules in Aurora

No city-specific drone-relevant regulations identified from currently reviewed official Aurora sources. Pilots still need to follow FAA requirements, Colorado law, and any property-owner or site-specific restrictions before takeoff or landing.

No city-specific drone-relevant regulations identified

Only current city rules with a direct drone nexus are listed on this page. Review the state rules, airspace limits, and property-specific restrictions before launch or landing.

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Denver International Airport (KDEN) — 3 miles away

Tower Frequency: 120.5

Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.

Buckley Space Force Base (KBKF) — 8 miles away

Tower Frequency: 126.2

Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.

Centennial Airport (KAPA) — 14 miles away

Tower Frequency: 118.9

Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

  • Open plains far east of Aurora along E-470 / Arapahoe County Road corridors (verify landowner permission and check LAANC — still within Class B in some areas)
  • Aurora Sports Park open fields — contact Aurora Parks for written approval first
  • Rural agricultural land in southeast Arapahoe County beyond Class B boundary (check FAA sectional chart carefully)

Areas to Avoid

  • Denver International Airport (KDEN) — physically located in Aurora; Class B airspace from surface across most of the city
  • Buckley Space Force Base (KBKF) — military restricted airspace, no UAS without DoD authorization
  • Cherry Creek State Park — CPW permit required
  • Aurora Reservoir — contact facility before any flight
  • All Aurora city parks — written approval required from Aurora Parks
  • Lowry Area (former Air Force base) — check current airspace designations
  • Highway 225 / I-70 corridor — congested urban airspace near KDEN approach paths

Weather Considerations

Aurora shares Denver's high-altitude continental climate at approximately 5,400 ft elevation. Reduced air density decreases drone performance by 20–30% vs. sea level. Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly May through August. Hail is a significant risk May through July. Persistent west and southwest winds are common. Check NWS Denver (weather.gov/bou) before flying.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–October (stable air, reduced storm risk, clear visibility) and late May (before peak storm season). AVOID: July–August afternoons (daily convective storms near KDEN approach corridor), January–February (extreme cold, battery degradation). Note: KDEN operations mean low-altitude commercial aircraft are present 24/7 — always use LAANC.

Compliance Checklist

  • ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
  • ✓ Colorado state regulations
  • ✓ Aurora local ordinances
  • ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
  • ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
  • ✓ Property owner permission
  • ✓ Weather safety

Important Disclaimer

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inapplicable to your specific situation.

Always confirm current requirements directly with the FAA, B4UFLY, LAANC, airport operators, local authorities, and property owners before flight.