Georgetown, KY Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Section 28-91 defines a model aircraft as an unmanned aircraft that is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, flown within visual line of sight of the person operating it, and flown for hobby or recreational purposes only. The same section defines unmanned aircraft to include model aircraft, so a hobby drone falls under every rule in the article.

Location limits come first. Section 28-92 prohibits causing an unmanned aircraft to launch or land within 500 feet of a park, a pre-school, elementary, middle or high school, or an enclosed building owned or operated by the city, such as city hall, a police department or a fire station. The director of Georgetown-Scott County Parks and Recreation or the director's designee can post designated sections of a park for model aircraft, and operation there must follow the type and manner indicated on the posting.

Section 28-94 sets the conduct rules. It is unlawful to operate or assist in operating an unmanned aircraft system while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, a substance controlled under KRS ch. 218A, or a chemical substance that induces intoxication or distorts the auditory, visual, or mental processes. It is unlawful to operate one equipped with a firearm, explosive, or any other item designed or intended to be used as a weapon. It is unlawful to operate one in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. After a crash that injures a person or damages another's property, the operator and any assistant must stay at the scene and give name, address, contact information, FAA registration number and any flight permit number. Section 28-95 separately prohibits using a drone to secretly observe a person in a place with a reasonable expectation of privacy, or to offend, annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person.

The federal link is printed in the code itself. Section 28-93(b) makes proof of FAA authorization to operate in city air space an affirmative defense, and section 28-96(d) says every operator is responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.