Lincoln, NE Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- No-notify zone
- 5 miles of Lincoln Airport
- Altitude cap
- 400 feet for model aircraft
- Before flying nearby
- notify Airport Authority + tower
- Flight rule
- must stay within visual line of sight
- Violation class
- infraction
Summary
Lincoln bars model aircraft from flying within five miles of Lincoln Airport unless the Airport Authority and airport control tower are notified first, on top of a 400-foot altitude cap.
In addition to the above restrictions, Model Aircraft shall not be operated: i. at an altitude in excess of 400 feet; ii. within five miles of Lincoln Airport unless the Airport Authority of the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Airport Control Tower have been first notified; or iii. outside the visual line of sight of the operator.
c. The restrictions set forth in (a) and (b) above shall not apply to Public Aircraft or Toy Aircraft. (Ord. 20318 §3; April 18, 2016).
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code § 4.28.080 sets citywide drone rules patterned on FAA regulations. Beyond the general ban on careless or reckless operation and unregistered aircraft, Model Aircraft specifically may not fly above 400 feet, within five miles of Lincoln Airport without first notifying the Airport Authority of the City of Lincoln and the Lincoln Airport Control Tower, or outside the operator's visual line of sight. Public Aircraft and Toy Aircraft are exempt from these added restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 4.28.080 is charged as an infraction, punishable under the general infraction penalty schedule in Lincoln Municipal Code § 1.24.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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