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
Local Ordinances
Tulsa does not have a comprehensive standalone drone ordinance. Tulsa Parks and Recreation manages city park drone policies and requires advance authorization for filming or drone operations in city parks. The Arkansas River corridor through Tulsa is a popular area but falls under KTUL Class C airspace. BOK Center and ONEOK Field (Tulsa Drillers AA baseball) can have event-related considerations. The historic Midtown and Brookside neighborhoods are popular filming locations but are in densely populated areas under Class C airspace.
Local Restrictions & Rules
- Tulsa Parks and Recreation: Drone operations in city parks require advance authorization
- BOK Center: High-density event venue — avoid uncoordinated operations during events
- Arkansas River corridor: Within KTUL Class C airspace — LAANC required
- Gathering Place (Riverside Drive): Large public park — obtain Tulsa Parks authorization before flying
- Oral Roberts University campus and Prayer Tower: Private property — campus policy prohibits unauthorized drones
- Osage Hills State Park and state parks: OTPD permit required
- Tulsa Race Massacre Memorial district (Greenwood): Sensitive historic area, respectful flight practices required
- Private property: 21 O.S. § 1835 criminal trespass applies
Local Contacts
- Parks & Planning: Tulsa Parks and Recreation, (918) 596-2489, cityoftulsa.org/parks
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