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 Connecticut
Connecticut follows federal FAA rules, but Connecticut law and agency rules add state-specific limits around public water-supply property, state parks and forests, and airport-related unmanned-aircraft procedures. Local public-property rules and ordinary criminal laws can still apply as well.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: Maximum altitude 400 feet AGL (above ground level)
- Public Act 17-52 / Conn. Gen. Stat. ยง 15-120tt: Connecticut law generally preempts municipal regulation of commercial unmanned aircraft, but municipalities may still regulate their own public-property use and certain water-supply or watershed areas
- Connecticut aeronautics statutes: State airport and aeronautics laws expressly reference unmanned aircraft in Connecticut's operating framework
- Connecticut DEEP parks and forests: Launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited in state parks, state forests, and state boat launches unless DEEP gives written authorization
- Bradley International and other airport areas: Controlled airspace and airport-specific procedures still require FAA and airport compliance
- Private property and criminal laws: Trespass, stalking, harassment, voyeurism, and reckless-endangerment laws can still apply to drone conduct
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 blanket statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified, but Hawaii DLNR materials show insurance can be required in state-land film and commercial permit contexts.
Public property / permit situations
Hawaii film and commercial permit processes can require proof of liability insurance when drone activity touches state land or other controlled public property.
Practical takeaway
State parks prohibit drones, and shoreline or beach work may require a separate permit from the relevant agency. Verify permit conditions before every project.
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