Arkansas Statewide Rule

Arkansas Commercial Drone Operations and Part 107 Compliance

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Arkansas (2026)

Key Facts

FAA Certification: Part 107 required
Altitude Limit: 400 feet AGL
State Statute: Ark. Code 5-60-103
Max FAA Fine: $27,500 civil

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Commercial drone operations in Arkansas require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification and compliance with state critical-infrastructure and privacy laws. Federal preemption controls airspace while Arkansas regulates ground-based privacy and surveillance harms statewide.

(b) A person commits the offense of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system related to critical infrastructure if he or she knowingly uses an unmanned aircraft system to conduct surveillance of, gather evidence or collect information about, or photographically or electronically record critical infrastructure without the prior written consent of the owner of the critical infrastructure.

Source: Justia LawView official code

Full Breakdown

All commercial drone flights in Arkansas require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, aircraft registration, and adherence to Part 107 operating limits including under 400 feet AGL, daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting, visual line of sight, and no flight over uninvolved people without waiver. Arkansas Code 5-60-103 and 5-60-104 add state-level prohibitions on surveillance of private places and overflight of critical infrastructure. The Arkansas Department of Aeronautics coordinates statewide unmanned systems policy. Commercial operators using drones for real estate, inspection, agriculture, or surveying must also comply with general Arkansas business and tax registration requirements.

Violations & Penalties

FAA penalties may reach $27,500 civil and $250,000 criminal per violation. Arkansas privacy violations add Class B misdemeanor charges with up to 90 days jail and $1,000 fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Arkansas cities issue commercial drone permits?

Generally no. Federal FAA Part 107 governs commercial operations, and Arkansas state law preempts most local airspace regulation. Cities may restrict takeoff and landing on city property only.

Can I fly a commercial drone over a power plant in Arkansas?

Not below 400 feet without authorization from the operator and the FAA. Arkansas Code 5-60-104 makes unauthorized critical-infrastructure overflight a Class A misdemeanor.

Sources

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