Chesapeake, VA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) requires commercial operators to pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test, register each drone, display the registration number, and fly within operational limits: daytime or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting, under 400 ft AGL, maximum ground speed 100 mph, visual line of sight, not over people without waiver, and only in airspace where authorization has been granted. LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) provides near-instant authorization in Class C airspace around NAS Oceana and Norfolk International for altitudes on the UAS Facility Map. Operations in Class B (DC area), restricted military airspace (R-6608 areas), or over Navy bases require advance coordination and are often denied. For operations beyond Part 107 limits (night without lighting, over people, BVLOS), a waiver is required. Chesapeake does not issue separate commercial drone permits, but operators filming in city parks or on city property need a film/media permit from Parks and Tourism or Public Communications.