Reno, NV Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone flight (real estate photography, inspections, surveying, cinematography, agriculture, delivery) is governed by 14 CFR Part 107. Requirements: pilot must pass the Part 107 knowledge exam and hold a Remote Pilot Certificate (renewed every 24 months with online recurrent training); aircraft must be registered with the FAA; operations limited to 400 feet AGL and within visual line of sight; daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting; and no flight over people unless the aircraft qualifies under Category 1-4 rules. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) operates Class C airspace that covers most of the urbanized Reno-Sparks area from the surface to about 4,000 feet AGL in the inner ring and up to 5,900 feet AGL in the outer ring. Flight within Class C requires prior FAA authorization, typically obtained in seconds through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) via approved apps such as Aloft, Kittyhawk, Skyward, or Avision. Reno Stead Airport to the north adds additional Class D/E considerations. Special Use airspace (MOAs, restricted areas) extends over parts of the Nevada desert east of Reno. Night operations under Part 107 require proper anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles; previously required a waiver but were liberalized in 2021. Commercial pilots may also need a Nevada business license, proper insurance, and client contracts. Operations over wildfires are banned and carry severe penalties.