Commercial drones in Little Elm require an FAA Part 107 certificate and must comply with TX Govt Code Chapter 423 privacy rules. DFW Class B airspace authorization is needed.
Commercial drone operations in Little Elm and the broader DFW metroplex are regulated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 107. Operators must hold a current FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, and the drone must be registered with the FAA. Standard Part 107 rules include a maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, visual line of sight operation, daytime flights (or with anti-collision lighting for night operations), maximum speed of 100 mph, and yielding to manned aircraft. Little Elm's location within the DFW Class B airspace means commercial operators must obtain airspace authorization through LAANC or a manual FAA request before flying in controlled airspace grids. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 imposes state-level restrictions on drone use, prohibiting image capture over private property for surveillance purposes, but provides exceptions for professional real estate photography, infrastructure inspection, oil and gas operations, and other specified commercial uses listed in Section 423.002. The Town of Little Elm does not issue separate commercial drone permits or licenses but may require special event coordination if drone operations occur at public events or on town property. Operators conducting work for the town or for development projects may need to coordinate with the Public Works or Planning departments.
FAA Part 107 violations can result in fines up to $27,500 per violation and certificate suspension. Texas Chapter 423 surveillance violations are a Class C misdemeanor.
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