Commercial drone operations in Winston-Salem require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification plus compliance with North Carolina NCDOT drone permit rules under NCGS 63-95. LAANC authorization is required near KINT and KGSO airports. Commercial flights in city parks require permits.
Commercial drone operations (real estate photography, inspections, surveying, commercial videography) are governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107. Operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, register each drone with the FAA, fly below 400 feet, stay within visual line of sight, and avoid flying over people without waivers. Within the Class D airspace surrounding Smith Reynolds Airport (KINT) and Class C airspace around Piedmont Triad International (KGSO), operators must obtain LAANC authorization before each flight. North Carolina adds a state-specific requirement under NCGS 63-95: commercial UAS operators flying for compensation must obtain a NC UAS Commercial Operator Permit from NCDOT, which requires passing a state knowledge test in addition to the FAA certificate. Flights over private property for commercial purposes must consider NCGS 15A-300.1 surveillance restrictions. Commercial operations from Winston-Salem parks require a film or special use permit from Recreation and Parks. Operations near critical infrastructure (Reynolds American, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant Health sites) require coordination with facility security.
FAA Part 107 violations: up to $27,500 per incident. Operating without NCDOT permit: NCGS 63-95 civil penalty up to $5,000. Park violations: $100+ and permit revocation.
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