Universal City, TX Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational drone operators in Universal City must register drones over 250 grams with the FAA, pass the TRUST recreational knowledge test, and follow Part 107 community-based organization rules. Critically, Universal City sits directly adjacent to Joint Base San Antonio Randolph, formerly Randolph Air Force Base, and most of the city falls within Class D controlled airspace extending from the surface to 2,800 feet MSL. Recreational flight in controlled airspace requires prior authorization through the FAA LAANC system, typically obtained via apps like Aloft or AirMap. Flying near or over Randolph AFB without authorization is a federal violation and may be treated as a threat under 18 USC 39B. Texas Government Code Chapter 423 independently restricts drone surveillance of private property and critical infrastructure, creating a state offense for capturing images of individuals on private property with intent to conduct surveillance. City parks may have additional no-fly rules, and drones must stay below 400 feet, within visual line of sight, and away from emergency response scenes.