2 rules for unincorporated Loudoun County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational drone use in Loudoun County is tightly constrained by proximity to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — nearly all of eastern Loudoun lies within Class B airspace or the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), where recreational flight is effectively prohibited without FAA authorization. Western Loudoun is mostly Class G but still near Leesburg Executive (JYO). FAA registration required for drones over 0.55 lb; TRUST test mandatory. Loudoun Parks prohibits drone launches in all county-operated parks per Loudoun County Ordinance Ch. 1080.
FAA — Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (49 USC 44809)
The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft ( USC 44809 ) is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone and our airspace safe: Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment). Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO). N...
Commercial drone operations in Loudoun County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate plus DC SFRA authorization for most of eastern Loudoun. Operations near Washington Dulles (IAD) and Leesburg Executive (JYO) require LAANC authorization. Loudoun has a thriving commercial drone industry tied to data centers in Ashburn and real estate — but operators face the most restrictive airspace in the nation. County Public Affairs requires notification for commercial filming on county property; no drone operations in parks.
14 CFR Part 107 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FAA Commercial Operator Rules)
The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet. If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can...
See every category we cover for Loudoun County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Loudoun County Ordinance Hub →