Arapahoe County, CO Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Part 107
- FAA certificate required
- Renewal
- 24 months online
- LAANC
- Required near DIA/APA
- Remote ID
- Mandatory Sept 2023
- Buckley SFB
- R-2601 restricted
Summary
Commercial drone operators in Arapahoe County must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. DIA, Centennial Airport, and Buckley SFB create complex controlled airspace requiring LAANC. Aurora and Centennial may require business licenses for commercial UAS services. Remote ID mandatory.
The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet. If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. To fly under Part 107 rules, there are 3 main steps. Step 1: Learn the Rules Make sure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules. 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems If you are not sure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation check our user identification tool. Some operations will require a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver:
Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft - §107.25 Operation at Night - §107.29(a)(2) and (b) Visual line of sight aircraft operation - §107.31 Visual observer - §107.33
Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems - §107.35
Yielding the right of way - §107.37(a) Operation over human beings - §107.39 Operation in certain airspace - §107.41 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft - §107.51 Operations Over Moving Vehicles - §107.145
Full Breakdown
Commercial drone operations in Arapahoe County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Operators must pass the aeronautical knowledge test, complete recurrent online training every 24 months, and register each drone. Commercial applications include real estate photography (popular in Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village luxury markets), construction surveys at sites like the Meridian business park, DIA-adjacent development, and infrastructure inspection. Controlled airspace is extensive: DIA Class B covers northern Aurora and unincorporated areas; Centennial Airport Class D covers central county; Buckley Space Force Base (R-2601) restricts portions of central Aurora.
LAANC authorization required for most commercial operations in these zones. Night operations, flights over people, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight require specific FAA Part 107 waivers. Aurora City Code §94-175 and Centennial Municipal Code may impose supplementary restrictions on public land operations. Remote ID compliance required as of September 2023. Commercial operators providing services in Colorado typically also need a state business registration and local municipal business license.
Violations & Fines
Operating commercially without Part 107: FAA fines up to $32,666 per incident. Unauthorized airspace entry at DIA or Buckley: federal criminal penalties (interfering with aircraft, 18 USC §32). Local business license violations: $100 to $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly commercial drones near DIA?
Do I need a local business license for drone services?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arapahoe County
Compare Arapahoe County to another location·View the Colorado drone rules overview
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