Recreational drone flights in St. Louis are governed by FAA rules, including TRUST certification, remote ID, and 400-foot altitude limits. The city lies under Class B airspace near Lambert Airport, so most neighborhoods require LAANC authorization before flying.
The FAA preempts most drone airspace regulation. Recreational pilots must follow 49 USC 44809 (Exception for Limited Recreational Operations): fly only for recreation, stay within line of sight, yield to manned aircraft, keep under 400 feet AGL, pass the TRUST test, register any drone 250g or heavier, and comply with Remote ID. Much of the City of St. Louis sits within Lambert-St. Louis International Airport's Class B airspace and under its approach surfaces, meaning a LAANC authorization (through apps like Aloft or Airmap) is required before flight at specified ceilings (often 0-100 feet AGL in inner-core grids). Forest Park and downtown also fall under controlled airspace. St. Louis city parks prohibit launch and landing without a Parks Department permit. Missouri RSMo 305.634 protects critical infrastructure from surveillance drone overflight.
Unauthorized Class B flight or TFR violation can trigger FAA civil penalties up to $75,000 and criminal referral. Parks violations result in Title 22 citations and equipment impoundment. Harassment or surveillance violations can be charged under RSMo 305.634.
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