Franklin County, OH Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Registration
- FAA over 0.55 pounds
- CMH Airspace
- Class C, 5 NM radius
- Authorization
- LAANC required
- Metro Parks
- Prohibited without permission
- TRUST
- Test required for recreational
Summary
Recreational drone operators in Franklin County must register with the FAA (drones over 0.55 pounds) and follow 14 CFR Part 107 and recreational rules under 49 USC 44809. Portions of Franklin County fall within John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) Class C airspace, requiring LAANC authorization for flights under 400 feet AGL.
UAS Data Exchange (LAANC) The FAA UAS Data Exchange is an innovative, collaborative approach between government and private industry facilitating the sharing of airspace data between the two parties. What is LAANC? LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace. LAANC provides: Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet. Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) information and updates to the Special Use Airspace (SUA) schedule. Air Traffic Professionals with visibility into where and when drones will operate. How does it work? LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS) pilots apply for an airspace authorization. Requests are checked against multiple airspace data sources in the FAA UAS Data Exchange such as UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, Airports and Airspace Classes, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). If approved, pilots can receive their authorization in near-real time. How and when can drone pilots use LAANC? Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly. LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers. You can get access through one of the FAA Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. To operate as a Recreational Flyer, you must register your drone and take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before your first flight.
Full Breakdown
CMH Class C airspace extends roughly 5 nautical miles from the airport surface to 4,000 feet MSL, with an outer ring to 10 nautical miles up to 4,000 feet MSL. Drone operators must use LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) through apps like Aloft or Airmap to get instant airspace authorization. Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) on the south side has Class D airspace to 3,500 feet MSL. Ohio State University Airport (KOSU) has Class D airspace. Columbus Metro Parks prohibits drone takeoff or landing on park property without written permission (Metro Parks Rule 705). Ohio has no statewide drone law preempting local rules. Recreational operators must pass the TRUST test and keep the drone within visual line of sight.
Violations & Fines
FAA civil penalties up to 27,500 dollars per violation. Unauthorized flight in Class C airspace: criminal referral possible under 49 USC 46307. Park violations: criminal trespass plus drone confiscation.
Sources & Official References
- [1]FAA LAANC
- [2]14 CFR 107
Other rules in Franklin County
Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio drone rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.