Recreational drone flying in Orange County runs on federal FAA rules: register a drone over 0.55 lb, pass the TRUST test, stay under 400 feet and in sight. North Carolina adds no recreational permit, but state law N.C.G.S. 15A-300.1 bars using a drone to spy on people or private property.
Recreational flyers follow the FAA Exception for Recreational Flyers, 49 U.S.C. 44809: FAA registration for any drone over 0.55 lb, the free TRUST test, a 400-foot ceiling, visual line of sight, and anti-collision lighting at night. Chapel Hill and Carrboro sit under RDU International's Class C airspace and near the former UNC Horace Williams Airport (IGX), so an LAANC authorization is needed to launch in controlled airspace. North Carolina's state UAS operator permit was repealed effective December 1, 2024, so no state license is required. State law N.C.G.S. 15A-300.1 still prohibits drone surveillance of people or private property without consent. County and town parks may restrict launches.
FAA penalties for reckless recreational flight run to thousands of dollars. Surveillance in violation of N.C.G.S. 15A-300.1 gives the subject a civil claim, with statutory damages of $5,000 per published photo or video.
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