Keller, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone pilots flying for hire, real estate photography, inspection, mapping, or any non-hobby purpose within Keller must operate under 14 CFR Part 107 and hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. Certification requires passing the initial aeronautical knowledge exam and recurrent training every 24 calendar months. All drones used commercially must be registered with the FAA at the $5 fee per aircraft, and must display registration markings. Part 107 sets baseline operating rules, including maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level, daylight or civil twilight operations without a waiver, visual line of sight, no flight over people without a Category waiver, no flight over moving vehicles, and Class G airspace flights or LAANC authorization for controlled airspace near DFW, Alliance, and Meacham airports. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts capturing images of private real property or identifiable individuals with specific exemptions for licensed surveyors, real estate professionals under certain conditions, and other narrow categories, so commercial operators should understand section 423.002 exemptions carefully. Keller may require a film permit, special events permit, or coordination with the Police Department for drone operations on public property, on traffic rights of way, or for large production events. Commercial operators should carry liability insurance, typically $1 million or more, to cover third-party claims. Beyond-visual-line-of-sight, night operations, flights over people, and other advanced operations require specific FAA waivers.