North Carolina repealed its state commercial drone operator permit and knowledge test effective December 1, 2024, so commercial pilots now need only the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, though state surveillance and privacy limits still apply.
Until late 2024, G.S. 63-95 required commercial and government drone operators to pass an NCDOT knowledge test and hold a state UAS operator permit. Session Law 2024-15 (House Bill 198) repealed that requirement effective December 1, 2024, leaving the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate as the only operator credential for flying for hire in North Carolina. State law still prohibits using a drone to conduct surveillance of a person or private property without consent under G.S. 15A-300.1, and launching or recovering a drone from someone's property requires consent under G.S. 15A-300.2. Cities cannot license pilots or regulate flight, but may restrict takeoff and landing on government property.
Flying commercially without a current FAA Part 107 certificate violates federal law, and unlawful drone surveillance can bring civil liability and criminal charges under G.S. 15A-300.1.
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Apex, NC
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