Commercial drone operations in Austin require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operations near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport require LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) approval through the FAA. Commercial operators must also comply with Texas Government Code Chapter 423 which restricts drone image capture over private property with limited exceptions for real estate photography, oil and gas operations, and utility inspections. Austin does not require a separate local commercial drone permit.
Commercial drone use in Austin requires operators to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Part 107 rules include: operations during daylight or civil twilight (with anti-collision lighting), maximum 400 feet AGL, visual line of sight, maximum groundspeed of 100 mph, and no operations over non-participating people without approved category waivers. Operations in controlled airspace near airports require LAANC or manual FAA authorization. Austin may require commercial drone operators to hold a local business license. Real estate photography, surveying, inspection, and mapping are common commercial applications. Operations near critical infrastructure (power plants, water treatment, government buildings) may require additional coordination. Insurance of $1M+ liability is recommended and may be required by clients.
Part 107 violations: $1,100–$27,500 civil penalties. Operating commercially without Part 107: $27,500 civil penalty. Local business license violations: standard unlicensed business fines.
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