Las Cruces, NM Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Approval authority
- Airport manager, in writing
- Covers
- UAVs, model aircraft, balloons, drops
- Required alongside approval
- Event insurance
- Appeal window
- 10 calendar days to ACM
- Ultralights
- Follow FAA 14 CFR Part 103 instead
Summary
Flying an unmanned aerial vehicle from Las Cruces International Airport property requires the airport manager's written approval, and event insurance is required for any approved UAV, model-aircraft or balloon launch.
The airport manager has the authority to approve/disapprove in writing, requests for use of airport facilities for hot air balloon launches, model aircraft launches, kite flights, air shows/special events, fly-ins, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and parachute drops when the parachute landing zone is on the airport property.(c)Operation of these aeronautical activities shall require proof of event insurance in the amount and form required by the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33 | Land Development Code: Supplement 28).
Full Breakdown
' The airport manager has sole authority to approve or disapprove in writing any request to use airport facilities for unmanned aerial vehicle operations, alongside model aircraft launches, hot air balloon launches, kite flights, air shows, fly-ins and parachute drops landing on airport property. Anyone running one of these activities must also carry proof of event insurance in the amount and form the city requires before the airport manager will sign off. Ultralight vehicle operations get a separate carve-out: they must comply with FAA 14 CFR Part 103 rather than seek the same case-by-case approval.
5-7 giving anyone found in violation ten calendar days to file a written appeal with the assistant city manager. Because the airport is federally regulated airspace, this local rule sits on top of, not in place of, FAA drone rules for controlled airspace near LCIA; the airport manager's approval addresses use of airport property and facilities specifically, separate from FAA airspace authorization a pilot may also need.
Violations & Fines
Launching a UAV from airport property without the airport manager's prior written approval is a violation of chapter 7.5's rules and regulations. Under section 7.5-6, the city and airport manager may take any action they consider necessary, including barring the violator from the airport and its facilities, and lease or operating-agreement holders can have their contract privileges terminated for the same violation. A person found in violation may appeal in writing to the assistant city manager within ten calendar days under section 7.5-7, triggering a meeting within 30 days and a final written decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone at Las Cruces International Airport without permission?
Does this rule cover drone flights near the airport but off airport property?
What happens if I launch a drone at the airport without approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Las Cruces
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