Wichita, KS Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 9.35.210
- Consent required from
- Director of Airports
- Covered area
- Airport property plus bordering land
- Maximum fine
- $500
- Maximum jail term
- 6 months
- Enforcing agency
- Airport Police and Fire, WPD
Summary
Wichita prohibits launching, flying or landing an unmanned aircraft at, from, or near any Wichita Airport Authority facility, including Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Col. James Jabara Airport, unless the Director of Airports gives prior written consent. The restriction reaches Airport property and land immediately adjacent to and bordering it, not just the runway environment.
The release, launch or operation of remote radio controlled aircraft, balloons, hot air balloons, kites, rockets, gliders/sailplanes, unmanned aerial vehicles, and the towing of banners at or from any Airport, Airport property, or property immediately adjacent to and bordering Airport property shall not be permitted without the prior written consent of the Director. Any person violating any provision of this Section of the Code is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) and/or an imprisonment of not more than six (6) months and/or both such fine and imprisonment.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. " None of these activities is permitted without the prior written consent of the Director, defined at Sec. 010(v) as the Director of Airports of the City of Wichita or a duly authorized representative. "Airport" is defined at Sec. 010(e) to mean Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Col. James Jabara Airport, and any other airport owned by and under the control and jurisdiction of the Wichita Airport Authority; "Airport property" at Sec. 010(h) covers any property, facilities and improvements owned, leased or controlled by the Airport Authority, plus the roads and streets on it.
Because the ban expressly extends to property "immediately adjacent to and bordering" Airport property, it is not confined to fenced airfield land. Sec. 030 clarifies this chapter supplements rather than replaces other law: violations are in addition to any other City, state, or Airport Authority violation, and if a conflict exists with FAA or TSA rules, the federal rules control. Enforcement runs through Sec. 040, which authorizes the Chief of Police and officers of the Wichita Police Department, the Chief of Airport Police and Fire, and Airport Police and Fire Officers to enforce this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating Sec. 9.35.210 is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), imprisonment of not more than six (6) months, or both. Citations are written by Airport Police and Fire Officers or Wichita Police Department officers under the enforcement authority of Sec. 9.35.040, and a local citation does not bar separate FAA or TSA enforcement for the same flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly a drone near Wichita Eisenhower Airport without asking anyone?
What is the penalty for an unauthorized drone flight near a Wichita airport?
Does this city rule replace FAA drone regulations near the airport?
Which airports does the Wichita drone consent rule cover?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas drone rules overview
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