Winston-Salem, North Carolina Drone Laws

Overview

Winston-Salem is located in North Carolina. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

North Carolina allows recreational and commercial drone operations under FAA rules. N.C.G.S. § 15A-300.1 restricts law enforcement drone use but does not limit civilians. N.C.G.S. § 14-394 (stalking) applies when a drone is used to surveil a person with intent to harass. N.C.G.S. § 14-159.12 (criminal trespass) applies to unauthorized drone flight over private property. NC State Parks prohibit drones without a permit from the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• N.C.G.S. § 14-394: Drone surveillance with intent to harass constitutes criminal stalking
• N.C.G.S. § 14-159.12: Unauthorized drone flight over private property is criminal trespass
• N.C.G.S. § 15A-300.1: Restricts law enforcement drone use (does not limit civilians)
• NC State Parks: Drones prohibited without written permit from NC Division of Parks and Recreation
• KINT Class D airspace (Smith Reynolds Airport): LAANC or ATC authorization required within the Class D surface area
• Forsyth County and surrounding area: Several small GA airports with uncontrolled airspace — check B4UFLY

Permits & Registration

Commercial: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required. NC State Parks written permit required before flying in any state park. Recreational: Register at registerdrone.faa.gov. Use LAANC (Aloft, DroneZone) for Class D authorization at KINT. Contact Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks for city park filming permits.

Official Statute Links

• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15A/GS_15A-300.1.html
• https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-394.html
• https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_14/GS_14-159.12.html
• https://www.ncparks.gov/

Local Ordinances

Winston-Salem does not have a standalone municipal drone ordinance. The City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department requires advance written authorization for drone operations in city parks. Smith Reynolds Airport (KINT), located within the city limits, creates a Class D surface area requiring LAANC authorization for operations nearby. Truist Stadium area and BB&T Ballpark can generate TFRs during sporting events. Wake Forest University maintains a campus-wide no-fly policy.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• City parks: Prior written authorization required from Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks before any drone flight
• KINT Class D airspace (Smith Reynolds Airport): LAANC or direct ATC coordination required; airport is within the city
• Downtown Winston-Salem: Falls under KINT Class D influence; LAANC required for many flights
• Truist Field (formerly BB&T Ballpark): Possible TFRs during Winston-Salem Dash minor league games — check NOTAMs
• Wake Forest University campus: University no-fly policy enforced; contact WFU before flying nearby
• Tanglewood Park (Forsyth County): Contact Forsyth County Parks for drone access permission
• Salem Lake and Bethabara Park areas: City/county park permit required
• Private property: N.C.G.S. § 14-159.12 trespass and § 14-394 stalking statutes enforced

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks, (336) 727-2063, www.cityofws.org/recreation-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

• Pilot Mountain State Park (NC Parks permit required; dramatic monadnock landscape; verify airspace — outside KINT Class D)
• Hanging Rock State Park (NC Parks permit required; Sauratown Mountains; approximately 30 miles north)
• Rural Stokes County or Surry County farmland (landowner permission; minimal airspace conflict outside Class D)
• Tanglewood Park equestrian/lake areas (Forsyth County permit required; away from KINT Class D)
• Yadkin Valley wine country fields (25+ miles south; landowner permission; open agricultural landscape)

Areas to Avoid

• KINT Class D surface area (~4.3 nm radius from Smith Reynolds Airport — within city limits)
• KGSO airspace influence zone (Piedmont Triad International ~18 miles east — verify Class C boundaries)
• Downtown Winston-Salem (KINT Class D influence; crowds; permit required in parks)
• Wake Forest University campus (university no-fly policy)
• Truist Field area (potential TFRs during Dash baseball games and special events)
• All city parks without prior written authorization from Recreation and Parks
• Salem Lake Recreation Area (busy public greenway; city permit required)

Weather Considerations

Winston-Salem sits at approximately 970 ft MSL in the NC Piedmont foothills. The climate is humid subtropical with warm humid summers and moderate winters. Spring severe weather (tornadoes and large hail) peaks March–May; monitor NWS Raleigh/Greensboro offices (weather.gov/rah and weather.gov/gsp). Summer afternoons are prone to isolated convective storms. Fog can occur in winter mornings along the Yadkin River valley. The foothills topography creates localized wind shear near Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: October (crisp air, excellent fall foliage, stable conditions — Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock are spectacular). April mornings before storm season heats up are also excellent. AVOID: July–August afternoons (convective storms); March–May severe outbreak days. KINT is a busy regional airport — always verify LAANC authorization before flying in or near the city.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ North Carolina state regulations
• ✓ Winston-Salem local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety