Norfolk, VA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Drone operation in Norfolk is governed primarily by FAA Part 107 (for non-recreational) and 49 USC 44809 (for recreational) with FAA rules preempting most local regulation of airspace. Norfolk is uniquely challenging for recreational flyers because three major aviation hubs overlap the city: Naval Station Norfolk (the largest U.S. Navy base in the world, with surrounding Prohibited Airspace and carrier operations), Chambers Field/KNGU with Class D airspace and Navy no-fly zones, and Norfolk International Airport (KORF) with Class C airspace covering large swaths of the city. Additionally, Military Operations Areas and restricted areas stretch over Hampton Roads. Before any recreational flight, operators must check B4UFLY or LAANC and obtain airspace authorization from the FAA where required. DoD installations are enforced under 18 USC 1382 for trespass and 32 CFR 234. Many Norfolk parks also impose drone launch/land restrictions in the parks rules. Operators must register drones over 250g with the FAA, pass the TRUST test for recreational flight, fly under 400 feet, keep visual line of sight, avoid emergency response scenes, and avoid people and moving vehicles. Night operations require anti-collision lighting. Virginia VA Code 15.2-926.3 preempts local drone regulation for the airspace itself but cities can still regulate launch and recovery from city-owned land.