Laredo, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone operations in Laredo require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate obtained by passing the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Operators must register each drone, maintain visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet AGL, and comply with operational restrictions. Laredo International Airport (LRD) Class D airspace covers the central city and LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization is required for most commercial flights in the area. LAANC provides near-real-time approval up to a published ceiling (often 0 to 400 feet depending on grid). Flights over people, at night, beyond visual line of sight, and over moving vehicles require specific Part 107 waivers or operation under updated Part 107 rules (night operations allowed with anti-collision lighting; flights over people require compliant drone categories). Commercial operations near the U.S.-Mexico border must account for CBP air operations, potential TFRs around Ports of Entry (World Trade Bridge, Lincoln-Juarez Bridge), and federal facility airspace. Drones photographing critical infrastructure (refineries, rail, international bridges) face state law restrictions under TX Government Code Ch. 423.