Overview
North Carolina allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. North Carolina General Statutes address privacy, trespass, and wildlife protection. Charlotte and Raleigh airspace requires LAANC clearance.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in North Carolina. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- NC General Statute § 14-277.3: Surveillance via drone — unauthorized drone use for voyeurism is felony criminal offense
- NC General Statute § 14-196.3: Stalking by drone — drone surveillance with intent to harass/threaten is criminal
- NC General Statute § 14-159.13: Trespass to real property — unauthorized drone flight over private land is violation
- Charlotte airspace: Class B airspace (CLT) requires LAANC authorization
- Raleigh/Durham airspace: Class C airspace (RDU) — check LAANC/B4UFLY for authorization
- Fort Bragg Military Installation: Restricted airspace — no civilian drone flights allowed
- NC General Statute § 14-159.12: Burglary — drone use for surveillance to facilitate crime is felony
- NC General Statute § 14-277.4: Cyber-stalking via drone — electronic harassment through drone surveillance is criminal
- NC Wildlife Resources Commission: No drone flight over game lands, wildlife management areas, or hunting zones without commission approval
- NC Department of Environmental Quality: State park airspace — no drone operations in state parks without Special Use Permit
- NC Department of Environmental Quality: Wetland/water feature protection — no drone flight over protected wetlands or aquatic areas
- Pisgah National Forest: Special Use Permit required for commercial drone operations on federal forest land in western NC
- NC Department of Education & Workforce: School airspace — no drone flight over school property/grounds without authorization
- NC Department of Health & Human Services: Hospital/emergency facility — no drone flight over medical facilities or emergency scenes
- NC Occupational Safety & Health Act: Construction site safety — commercial drones require OSHA-level coordination
- NC Utilities Commission: No drone interference with utility infrastructure, power lines, or communication equipment
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in North Carolina
Recreational drone pilots in North Carolina must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in North Carolina
Commercial drone operations in North Carolina require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in North Carolina must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/
- https://www.ncwildlife.org/
- https://deq.nc.gov/
- https://www.osha.gov/
- https://www.dpi.nc.gov/
- https://www.ncga.gov/
- https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
- https://www.ncuc.gov/
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/where_can_i_fly/airspace_restrictions/b4ufly/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107