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 North Carolina
North Carolina follows federal FAA rules, but state statutes still regulate certain surveillance, hunting, correctional-facility, and commercial-permit issues. Sensitive military airspace and federal-land restrictions can add another layer of limits depending on the mission.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-401.24: It is unlawful to use an unmanned aircraft system for hunting, fishing, or interfering with lawful hunting and fishing activities, and the statute also restricts weaponized or certain contraband-related uses
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-300.3: Operating a drone over or near a confinement or correctional facility to deliver contraband or gather intelligence for an escape is unlawful
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 63-96: North Carolina still requires a state permit for certain commercial UAS operations in addition to FAA compliance
- Charlotte airspace: Class B airspace (CLT) requires LAANC authorization
- Raleigh/Durham airspace: Class C airspace (RDU) — check LAANC/B4UFLY for authorization
- Fort Bragg / Fort Liberty and other military areas: Check FAA restrictions and DoD guidance before flight near military installations
- North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission: Using drones in connection with hunting activities can violate state wildlife rules
- Pisgah National Forest and other National Forest System lands: 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