Commercial drone operations in Colorado are governed almost entirely by FAA Part 107, with limited state additions covering wildlife, critical infrastructure, and privacy that apply uniformly statewide.
Federal Part 107 requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, drone registration, daylight or twilight operation with anti-collision lighting, maximum 400 feet altitude, and visual line of sight unless waivered. Colorado supplements federal law: CRS 18-9-150 restricts drone surveillance and harassment, and CRS 33-6-129 forbids commercial wildlife scouting. The Department of Transportation studies drone integration but does not license operators. Federal preemption of airspace prevents municipal flight regulations, though local property restrictions for takeoff and recovery remain valid.
FAA enforcement may impose civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation and suspend or revoke remote pilot certificates. State criminal penalties apply for wildlife and harassment offenses.
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