Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in Colorado
Colorado follows federal FAA rules, but Colorado has enacted specific drone-related offenses around airports, detention facilities, and obstruction of public safety operations. Hunting rules and federal-land restrictions add another layer of limits in parks and forests.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Colorado law / HB16-1020: Colorado prohibits certain drone operations near airports and detention facilities and bars flights that interfere with manned aircraft or violate applicable federal limits
- Colorado law / HB18-1314: Obstructing peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical providers, or search-and-rescue personnel with a drone can trigger criminal liability
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunting rules: It is illegal to use a drone to look for, scout, or detect wildlife as an aid in hunting or fishing
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited without written approval
- Denver International: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- Colorado Springs: Class B requires LAANC authorization
- National Forest System lands in Colorado: Commercial drone operations generally require special use authorization
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified.
Public property / permit situations
Insurance may still be required by clients, venues, public-property permits, or local film and operations permits.
Practical takeaway
Verify local permit conditions before flight and confirm insurance language in every contract or venue requirement.
Resources for Flyers
- FAA UAS: faa.gov/uas
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
- LAANC / authorizations: FAA airspace authorization
- B4UFLY: Check airspace restrictions
- TFR checker: tfr.faa.gov