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Denver, CO Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

DEN airspace
Class B
Authorization
FAA LAANC required
Grid ceilings
0 to 200 feet
Pilot certificate
Part 107 commercial

Summary

FAA Part 107 controls airspace around Denver International Airport (DEN) and smaller fields like Centennial and Rocky Mountain Metro. Recreational and commercial drone pilots must use LAANC for near-real-time authorization in controlled airspace under 400 feet AGL.

LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace. LAANC provides: Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet. Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) information and updates to the Special Use Airspace (SUA) schedule. Air Traffic Professionals with visibility into where and when drones will operate. Through the UAS Data Exchange, the capability facilitates the sharing of airspace data between the FAA and companies approved by the FAA to provide LAANC services. The companies are known as UAS Service Suppliers — and the desktop applications and mobile apps to utilize the LAANC capability are provided by the UAS Service Suppliers ( USS ). How does it work? LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers ( USS ) pilots apply for an airspace authorization. Requests are checked against multiple airspace data sources in the FAA UAS Data Exchange such as UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, Airports and Airspace Classes, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions ( TFRs ) and Notices to Airmen ( NOTAMs ). If approved, pilots can receive their authorization in near-real time. Unless specifically requested in an authorization, drone pilots do not need to notify the tower before they fly. LAANC provides airspace authorizations only. Pilots must still check NOTAMs , weather conditions, and abide by all airspace restrictions. How and when can drone pilots use LAANC ? Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly. LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers . You can get access through one of the FAA Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers . There are two ways to use LAANC : Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports (available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers) . Submit a "further coordination request" if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet .

Full Breakdown

Denver International Airport (DEN) sits in Class B airspace that extends across most of the metro. FAA UAS Facility Maps set grid ceilings (often 0 to 200 feet) within DEN's surface area, meaning pilots cannot launch without prior authorization. The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system grants near-instant clearance up to the grid ceiling through approved apps such as Aloft, Airmap, or Skyward. Centennial (APA), Rocky Mountain Metro (BJC), and Front Range (FTG) also have controlled airspace. Pilots must register the drone with FAA, hold a Part 107 certificate if commercial, and yield right-of-way to manned aircraft. DRMC chapter 39 trespass can stack onto FAA violations.

Violations & Fines

Flying without LAANC authorization in DEN Class B airspace is an FAA civil violation up to $27,500 per flight and possible criminal charges up to $250,000 plus three years in federal prison. State reckless endangerment may also apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly my drone in my Denver backyard near DEN airport?
Only with LAANC authorization. Most of Denver sits in DEN Class B airspace with grid ceilings as low as zero. Check the FAA B4UFLY app and request LAANC clearance through Aloft or Airmap before launching.
Do Denver Parks allow drone takeoffs?
Most Denver parks ban takeoffs and landings under Parks rules; only Ruby Hill and a few designated spots allow it. Even then FAA LAANC clearance is required because the park sits inside DEN Class B airspace.

Sources & Official References

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