San Angelo, TX Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- FAA Part 107
- Renewal
- Every 24 months
- Local Permit
- None; state preempts
- Controlled Airspace
- LAANC via Mathis Field
- State Law
- Tex. Gov. Code ch. 423
Summary
Commercial drone pilots in San Angelo need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas Government Code §423.009 blocks the city from adding its own operating rules, though state surveillance limits still apply.
An ordinance, order, or other similar measure that violates Subsection (b) is void and unenforceable.
Full Breakdown
Commercial drone work in San Angelo, real estate, inspections, surveying, delivery, requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, renewed every 24 months. Texas Government Code §423.009 preempts local operating ordinances, so San Angelo imposes no separate commercial permit. Flights in Mathis Field's Class D airspace need LAANC authorization; night flights, flights over people, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations need FAA waivers. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 also restricts using drones to capture images of individuals or critical infrastructure without consent.
Violations & Fines
Flying commercially without Part 107 draws FAA fines up to about $32,000. Illegal drone surveillance under Texas Gov. Code §423.003 is a Class C misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What license do I need to fly a drone commercially in San Angelo?
Can the city restrict my commercial flights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Angelo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Angelo to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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