El Paso, TX Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Airport zone radius
- 5 miles from the airport landing area
- Height standard
- FAA Part 77 Surfaces map elevations
- Class C airspace
- 5 nm to 1,200 ft, 10 nm to 4,000 ft
- Drone-specific rule
- Regulated per federal/state law by purpose
- Certificate requirement
- FAA airman certificate required citywide, if required
Summary
Drones flown near El Paso International Airport fall inside a zoning map covering all land within five miles of the runway, where structures and trees are height-capped under FAA Part 77 surfaces, and City Code makes clear UAS operation is regulated by federal and state law according to its purpose.
In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the area referenced herewith covers all the land within five miles of the landing area of the airport and within the territory of the United States of America. ... no structure or tree shall be erected, altered, allowed to grow, or maintained within the airport zone map to a height in excess of the applicable elevations ... shown on the Part 77 Surfaces map as approved by the FAA within the El Paso International Airport. ... "Unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), or "drones," shall be regulated according to the purposes for which the UAS is operated according to applicable federal and state regulations." ... No person shall operate any aircraft or unmanned aircraft within or over the corporate limits of the city unless such person has first been issued an airman certificate, if required, by the Federal Aviation Administration and unless such aircraft, if required, shall have first received a certificate of airworthiness from such agency.
Full Breakdown
020). 030 prohibits erecting, growing or maintaining any structure or tree to a height exceeding the elevations shown on the FAA's Part 77 Surfaces map, and requires FAA Form 7460-1 notification and lighting for construction that could penetrate those surfaces. 010), excluding any portion lying within the Republic of Mexico, since the airspace sits directly across the Rio Grande from Ciudad Juárez. 060 bars operating any 'aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicle' in violation of FAA rules. 08 and the FAA's own controlled-airspace rules under 14 CFR Part 107.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a structure or letting a tree grow above the FAA Part 77 height limits within the five-mile airport zone can trigger city enforcement action in district court under § 14.08.120, including an injunction ordering the hazard corrected or removed. Operating a drone within city limits without a required FAA airman certificate violates § 14.12.050, and using a UAS in a manner that violates FAA rules violates § 14.12.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Paso have its own no-fly zone around the airport for drones?
How high can a tree or structure be within five miles of El Paso International Airport?
Do drone pilots need a certificate to fly in El Paso?
Does El Paso's airport airspace extend into Mexico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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