South Bend has no local drone ordinance; recreational flying follows FAA rules under 49 USC 44809. Register drones over 0.55 lbs, stay below 400 feet, and pass the TRUST test.
Recreational drone flight in South Bend is governed federally. Operators must register any drone over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pass the free TRUST safety test, fly below 400 feet, and keep the aircraft in visual line of sight. South Bend International Airport places most of the city in Class C airspace, so LAANC authorization is required to fly across much of the area, and the FAA imposes a temporary flight restriction over Notre Dame Stadium during home football games. City parks close from dusk to dawn, limiting lawful night launches from public land. Indiana adds privacy limits under IC 35-46-8.5.
FAA civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation, with higher fines and criminal charges for reckless operation or flying into restricted airspace. Park after-hours launches draw trespass citations.
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