Commercial Drones: Albuquerque vs Tijeras
How do commercial drones rules compare between Albuquerque, NM and Tijeras, NM?
Albuquerque has fewer restrictions than Tijeras.
Albuquerque, NM
Bernalillo County
Commercial drone operations in Albuquerque require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification. The city does not impose additional local licensing for commercial drones but operators must comply with airspace restrictions around the Albuquerque International Sunport and Kirtland Air Force Base. Albuquerque is a growing hub for drone technology including the UAS test site at New Mexico State University.
View full Albuquerque rules →Tijeras, NM
Bernalillo County
Commercial drone operators in Bernalillo County need an FAA Part 107 certificate plus LAANC authorization for flights in Sunport and Kirtland AFB Class C airspace covering most of the Albuquerque metro. Waivers required for night, over-people, or BVLOS operations.
View full Tijeras rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Albuquerque | Tijeras |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Required | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate | - |
| Airspace | Class C around Sunport — LAANC available | LAANC mandatory in metro |
| Night Operations | Allowed under updated Part 107 with anti-collision lights | - |
| FAA Penalty | Up to $32,666 per violation | - |
| Local License | Standard business license only | - |
| License | - | FAA Part 107 required |
| Renewal | - | Every 24 months |
| Kirtland AFB | - | No-fly even with Part 107 |
| Film Permit | - | Required over ABQ public property |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Albuquerque FAQ
What do I need to fly a drone commercially in Albuquerque?
You need a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and must comply with all FAA operating rules. LAANC authorization is required for operations in the Sunport's Class C airspace.
Do I need a city permit for commercial drone operations?
Albuquerque does not require a specific drone permit. You need the FAA Part 107 certification and a standard city business license if operating a drone services business.
Tijeras FAQ
Do I need a Part 107 for real estate drone photography in Albuquerque?
Yes. Any commercial drone work including real estate listings requires a Part 107 certificate plus LAANC clearance because most of ABQ sits in Class C airspace.
Can I fly commercially near Kirtland Air Force Base?
No. Kirtland AFB is a restricted airspace overlay and flights directly over the base are prohibited. Nearby operations require LAANC and may trigger military response if unauthorized.
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