Drone Rules in San Antonio, TX (2026)
2 verified drone rules for San Antonio, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational Drones
Texas law (Government Code § 423.009) preempts local drone regulation, so San Antonio cannot enact its own UAS ordinances. Recreational drone operators must follow FAA rules, including obtaining a TRUST certificate and registering drones over 0.55 lbs. San Antonio's proximity to five JBSA military installations creates significant controlled airspace; operators must use the LAANC system for airspace authorization near military airfields.
San Antonio Recreational Drone Flying Rules
Few RestrictionsTex. Government Code § 423.002
(a) It is lawful to capture an image using an unmanned aircraft in this state:(1) for the purpose of professional or scholarly research and development or for another academic purpose by a person acting on behalf of an institution of higher education or a private or independent institution of higher education, as those terms are defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, including a person who:...
Airport Proximity Rules
Drone pilots cannot fly inside the Class C or D airspace covering San Antonio International and Stinson Municipal Airports without FAA Air Traffic Control Tower authorization. Anyone flying within three miles of either airport must first call the airport duty manager and the FAA tower before takeoff.
San Antonio Drone Restrictions Near Airports
Significant RestrictionsSan Antonio Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-74
Operators of all Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) systems may not operate a UAS within the Class C or Class D Airspace, the airspace included at both airports in the San Antonio Airport System, unless the operator has prior authorization from the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower (210-805-5507). Operators of all UAS systems are required to contact the Airport Duty Manager (210-207-3433) and the FAA A...
Looking for Bexar County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Antonio city rules.
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