Recreational drones in Fort Smith are regulated mostly by federal law. The FAA requires registration for drones over 0.55 lb, TRUST test passage, and flight under 49 U.S.C. §44809. Commercial work needs an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Fort Smith Regional Airport (KFSM) is controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization.
Drone regulation over Fort Smith is layered. Federally, recreational fliers must follow 49 U.S.C. §44809 — fly under 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace, keep visual line of sight, register drones over 0.55 lb (250 g) with the FAA, mark the registration number, pass the TRUST test, and never interfere with manned aircraft. Fort Smith Regional Airport (KFSM) and Ebbing Air National Guard Base sit in controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization or a written FAA waiver. Commercial work needs an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Local rules may restrict takeoff and landing on City property, and disorderly-conduct statutes apply to misuse. Arkansas State Parks separately regulate drone launch and landing in state-park areas.
Unregistered drones over 0.55 lb, KFSM flights without LAANC, flights above 400 ft AGL, or commercial work without Part 107 bring FAA civil penalties under 49 U.S.C. §46301. Takeoff or landing on City property without permission may also be cited.
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