City overview
Overview
Tulsa is located in Oklahoma. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.
State Regulations & Statutes
Oklahoma has specific drone statutes protecting privacy and property rights. 21 O.S. § 1289.25 prohibits using a drone to surveil private individuals on private property without their consent. 21 O.S. § 1835 establishes criminal trespass via drone. Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTPD) prohibits drone use in state parks without a permit. Tulsa is served by Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) with Class C airspace covering the city, and Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport (KRVS) to the south with Class D airspace.
Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes
- 21 O.S. § 1289.25: Drone surveillance of private individuals on private property without consent is prohibited
- 21 O.S. § 1835: Criminal trespass via drone over private property without consent
- OTPD prohibits drone use in Oklahoma state parks without a special use permit
- KTUL (Tulsa International) Class C airspace covers the city — ATC authorization required
- KRVS (Richard Lloyd Jones Jr.) Class D airspace to the south
- 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. Oklahoma state park flights: OTPD special use permit required — contact travelok.com. LAANC authorization required for KTUL Class C and KRVS Class D — use DroneZone or approved apps.
Official Statute Links
City-specific rules
City-Specific Rules in Tulsa
No city-specific drone-relevant regulations identified from currently reviewed official Tulsa sources. Pilots still need to follow FAA requirements, Oklahoma 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.
Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) — 6 miles away
Tower Frequency: 119.0
Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.
Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport (KRVS) — 8 miles away
Tower Frequency: 120.5
Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.
Tulsa Riverside Airport (KTUL) — 12 miles away
Tower Frequency: 119.0
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
- Rural Osage County farmland north of Tulsa — outside KTUL Class C floor (verify altitude floors on current FAA sectional chart)
- Keystone Lake area west of Tulsa — check airspace and get Tulsa COE or state park permits as applicable
- Skiatook Lake area northwest of Tulsa — outside Class C; verify on sectional chart
- Rural Creek County farmland southwest of Tulsa — low traffic, check Class C boundary
Areas to Avoid
- Tulsa International Airport (KTUL) — Class C airspace, surface to 4,100 ft MSL within 5 nm
- Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport (KRVS) — Class D airspace, surface to 2,900 ft MSL
- All Tulsa city parks without prior Parks and Recreation authorization
- Arkansas River corridor parks (Gathering Place, Riverside Drive) — KTUL Class C
- BOK Center vicinity during major events
- Osage Hills State Park — OTPD permit required
- Oral Roberts University campus — private property prohibition
- Tulsa Port of Catoosa (industrial port) — restricted facility
Weather Considerations
Tulsa has a humid subtropical/continental climate transition zone. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a serious risk March through June — Tulsa is within Tornado Alley. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F and can overheat drone electronics and reduce battery performance. Ice storms are a periodic winter hazard. The Arkansas River valley can channel and intensify local winds. Check NWS Tulsa (weather.gov/tsa) before flying.
Seasonal Tips
BEST: October–November (post-storm season, lower humidity, clear air, comfortable temperatures) and mid-March before peak storm season. AVOID: April–June afternoons and evenings (peak tornado and severe thunderstorm season); July–August midday when extreme heat risks electronic overheating. Fall is the optimal season — generally stable, clear, and moderate temperatures with low wind.
Compliance Checklist
- ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
- ✓ Oklahoma state regulations
- ✓ Tulsa local ordinances
- ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
- ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
- ✓ Property owner permission
- ✓ Weather safety