Drone flights near IAH and HOU airports require FAA LAANC authorization in controlled airspace. Houston cannot regulate airspace itself but enforces takeoff and landing on city property.
FAA Part 107 and recreational rules govern drone flights. Houston's two primary airports (George Bush Intercontinental IAH and William P. Hobby HOU) sit in Class B and Class C controlled airspace where drone operations require Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval through approved apps like Aloft or Airmap. Approvals may be instant for low altitudes (often under 200 feet AGL on the published UAS Facility Map grid). Houston cannot regulate airspace itself (preempted) but Park and Recreation rules and Chapter 28 control takeoffs and landings from city property. Recreational pilots also need TRUST certification. Violations can trigger FAA civil penalties up to 27,500 dollars.
FAA civil penalties up to 27,500 dollars per violation, criminal penalties for reckless operation, and potential federal prosecution for endangering manned aircraft near IAH or HOU airports.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Houston, TX
FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions ban drones over NRG Stadium, Toyota Center, and Minute Maid Park during major events. The 3-mile no-drone zone applies one ...
Houston, TX
Commercial drone operations in Houston require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas does not add state-level commercial licensing requirements. Te...
Houston, TX
Houston permits recreational drones subject to FAA rules and limited park bans. Pilots must register drones over 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5/3 years), complete...
See how Houston's airport proximity rules rules stack up against other locations.
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