Recreational drone use in Chesapeake is governed primarily by FAA rules. Chesapeake airspace is heavily restricted due to proximity to Naval Air Station Oceana, Norfolk Naval Station, and Chesapeake Regional Airport. Operators must register drones over 0.55 lb, follow Class C and restricted military airspace limits, and obtain LAANC authorization where required.
Federal law (FAA, 14 CFR Part 107 for commercial and Recreational Flyer exception under 49 USC Section 44809) preempts most drone regulation, but Chesapeake City Code restricts drone use in city parks and over public gatherings without permission. Chesapeake sits within or adjacent to controlled airspace of Naval Air Station Oceana (Class C), Norfolk International Airport, Portsmouth Regional Airport, and Chesapeake Regional Airport. Significant portions of Hampton Roads are covered by restricted military airspace and National Defense Airspace around Navy installations where drone flight is prohibited without prior coordination. Recreational pilots must: pass the TRUST test, register the drone with FAA if over 0.55 lb (0.25 kg), fly below 400 ft AGL, maintain visual line of sight, yield to manned aircraft, avoid night flight without anti-collision lighting, and use LAANC through a provider app (Aloft, AirMap) for controlled airspace authorization. Chesapeake Parks prohibits drone launch and recovery in city parks without a permit.
FAA violation: civil penalty up to 27,500 dollars plus possible criminal charges. Flying over Navy base: federal prosecution, potential loss of drone. City park violation: trespass citation.
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