San Angelo, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)
Key Facts
- Local Rules
- Preempted by state
- Registration
- FAA, over 0.55 lb
- Max Altitude
- 400 feet
- Airspace
- Mathis Field, Goodfellow AFB
- Test
- FAA TRUST required
Summary
San Angelo cannot pass its own drone rules. Texas Government Code §423.009 preempts local drone ordinances. Recreational flyers follow FAA rules: register drones over 0.55 lb, stay under 400 feet, and pass the TRUST test.
Except as provided by Subsection (c), a political subdivision may not adopt or enforce any ordinance, order, or other similar measure regarding the operation of an unmanned aircraft.
Full Breakdown
Texas Government Code §423.009(b) bars any political subdivision from adopting or enforcing an ordinance regulating the operation of an unmanned aircraft, so San Angelo has no local recreational-drone code and any conflicting rule is void. FAA rules govern under 49 USC §44809: register drones over 0.55 lb, fly below 400 feet within visual line of sight, pass the TRUST test, and use anti-collision lighting at night. San Angelo sits under Mathis Field (San Angelo Regional Airport) Class D airspace and near Goodfellow AFB, so LAANC authorization is required before flying there.
Violations & Fines
FAA penalties run from $1,000 to over $27,000 per violation. Using a drone to capture images of others can be a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Gov. Code §423.003.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Angelo have drone rules?
Can I fly near San Angelo Regional Airport?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Angelo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Angelo to another location·View the Texas drone rules overview
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