Norfolk, VA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone work in Norfolk operates under FAA Part 107 which requires a Remote Pilot Certificate earned by passing the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Because Norfolk International Airports Class C airspace blankets much of the city and Naval Station Norfolks Restricted Area encompasses the north-central waterfront, practically every commercial flight needs Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval or a formal FAA waiver. Flights over people or moving vehicles require Category 1 through 4 classification or a Part 107.39 waiver. Night operations are allowed with anti-collision lighting and per-operator training. Flights in, over, or near Navy airspace (including MOAs, restricted areas, and Chambers Field) require direct coordination with the base air operations and may be denied for operational security. VA Code 15.2-926.3 preempts local airspace regulation but allows cities to restrict launch and recovery from city property. Norfolk Parks generally require a commercial filming permit for drone-based commercial photography from park land. Commercial operators also should carry liability insurance; shipboard coverage in the Port of Virginia area may require port authority coordination for marine filming.