Recreational drone operators in Winston-Salem must comply with FAA Part 107 or the Recreational Exception rules. FAA TRUST certification and drone registration are required for craft over 0.55 lbs. Winston-Salem has no local drone ordinance, but launching from city parks requires permission.
Recreational drone use in Winston-Salem is governed primarily by federal FAA rules. Under 49 USC 44809 (Exception for Limited Recreational Operations), hobbyists must fly within visual line of sight, below 400 feet, at community-based organization sites or in uncontrolled airspace, and pass the FAA TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) online. Drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA for $5 per 3 years. Winston-Salem lies partly within Class D airspace near Smith Reynolds Airport (KINT) and Class E airspace elsewhere. Flying within the KINT Class D surface area requires LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization through apps like Aloft or AirMap, even for recreational flights. Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO) Class C airspace extends into western Winston-Salem and also requires LAANC. Launching, landing, or operating drones from Winston-Salem city parks requires advance permission from Recreation and Parks; Tanglewood and some county parks prohibit drone use entirely. Under NCGS 15A-300.1, drone surveillance of private property without consent is restricted.
Unauthorized drone flights in controlled airspace can trigger FAA civil penalties up to $27,500. State-level privacy violations under NCGS 15A-300.1 carry misdemeanor charges. Park violations can result in $100 civil penalties.
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