Spokane, Washington Drone Laws

Overview

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

State Regulations & Statutes

Washington State preempts local drone regulations under RCW 47.68.075, which reserves authority over UAS operations to the state and federal government. Washington does not have a comprehensive standalone drone privacy law, but general privacy laws under RCW 9A.44.115 (voyeurism) and common law privacy can apply to drone surveillance. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division oversees UAS integration. Spokane has two primary commercial airports — Spokane International (KGEG) and historic Felts Field (KSFF) — both creating airspace considerations. Fairchild Air Force Base (~18 miles west) hosts B-52 bombers and aerial refueling operations with associated restricted airspace.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• RCW 47.68.075 — Washington State preempts local drone ordinances; state and federal law govern UAS operations
• RCW 9A.44.115 — Voyeurism statute: using a drone to observe individuals in private spaces without consent is a criminal offense
• 14 CFR Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
• 14 CFR § 91.130 — Class C authorization required for KGEG (Spokane International) Class C airspace
• Fairchild AFB (KSKA) — Active B-52 and KC-135 operations; restricted airspace R-6701; never fly near base without authorization
• Washington State Parks: drone operations require advance authorization — contact Washington State Parks
• USFS Colville National Forest and surrounding national forests: commercial permit required; wilderness areas prohibit drones
• FAA LAANC available for KGEG Class C and KSFF Class D airspace via approved apps

Permits & Registration

Commercial operators must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. LAANC authorization available for KGEG Class C via FAA DroneZone or apps including AirMap and Aloft. KSFF Class D airspace also has LAANC coverage. Washington State Parks advance authorization: contact Washington State Parks at (360) 902-8844 or parks.wa.gov. USFS permits for commercial operations: contact the Spokane District Office. Recreational flyers must register drones over 0.55 lbs and pass the TRUST test. Fairchild AFB coordination: (509) 247-5704.

Official Statute Links

• https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=47.68.075
• https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9A.44.115
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/

Local Ordinances

Spokane's drone regulations are largely set by Washington State preemption under RCW 47.68.075, but Spokane Parks and Recreation administers an operational policy restricting drone use in city parks including the popular Riverfront Park and Centennial Trail. Felts Field (KSFF), one of Washington's oldest airports located just east of downtown, creates a Class D airspace that requires authorization for nearby flights. The Spokane River corridor and Riverfront Park are heavily visited areas where drone use is regulated. Fairchild AFB to the west hosts heavy bombers and creates significant military airspace restrictions.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Spokane Parks and Recreation: drones prohibited in city parks including Riverfront Park without advance authorization — (509) 625-6200
• Riverfront Park (downtown): city park and entertainment district; no drone operations without written permit
• KGEG Class C airspace: covers most of Spokane; LAANC authorization required before flying
• KSFF Class D airspace: Felts Field near east Spokane; Class D authorization required
• Fairchild AFB (KSKA) restricted airspace R-6701: active B-52H Stratofortress and KC-135 operations; never fly near base
• Centennial Trail: linear park along Spokane River; Spokane Parks permit required
• Manito Park: historic city park; advance authorization required
• Spokane Valley private parcels near KSFF: verify property rights and Class D airspace before flying

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Spokane Parks and Recreation, (509) 625-6200, my.spokanecity.org/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

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

Local Flying Guide

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

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Eastern Washington agricultural areas (Palouse, ~30 mi south) — rolling wheat fields; outside major airspace; spectacular scenery
• Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (south, ~20 mi) — USFWS managed; check current drone policy with refuge office
• Deer Park area (north, ~20 mi) — rural agricultural; outside KGEG Class C
• Liberty Lake area (east, ~15 mi) — suburban/rural; verify outside KGEG Class C boundaries via B4UFLY
• Fishtrap Lake area (southwest, ~25 mi) — rural eastern Washington; open skies outside restricted areas
• Spokane Valley industrial/open areas (east of Class D) — verify airspace clearance from KSFF

Areas to Avoid

• KGEG Class C airspace — covers most of Spokane metro; LAANC required
• KSFF Class D airspace — east Spokane; authorization required
• Fairchild AFB R-6701 — active heavy bomber airspace; never fly near base
• All Spokane city parks including Riverfront Park — administrative prohibition; permit required
• Spokane River corridor and Centennial Trail — city park permit required
• Colville National Forest wilderness areas (north) — UAS prohibited in designated wilderness
• Wildfire burn areas — Washington DNR may issue flight restrictions during fire season (August–September)
• Hangman Creek natural area — city and county managed; verify permit requirements

Weather Considerations

Spokane has a semi-arid continental climate moderated by the Cascade Mountains. Summers are warm and dry (June–August) — ideal for flying but August–September bring significant wildfire smoke from regional fires that can reduce visibility to under 3 miles or cause AQI-based flight advisories. Winters (November–February) bring snow and ice; temperatures regularly drop below 20°F which significantly reduces battery performance. Spring and fall offer the most stable flying conditions. Fog can occur in morning hours along the Spokane River valley.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: May–June and September (before smoke season) — clear air, mild temperatures, stable conditions. GOOD: March–April in calm weather windows. AVOID: August–September if heavy wildfire smoke is present — reduced visibility and respiratory concerns. WINTER: Below-freezing temperatures require battery management; warm LiPo batteries to at least 70°F before use; expect 30–40% reduction in flight time. SMOKE SEASON: Monitor AirNow.gov for air quality; poor visibility can make safe drone operation difficult.

Compliance Checklist

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