Minnesota Recreational Drone Operation and Aircraft Law

Under Minn. Stat. Ch. 360, all aircraft including unmanned aircraft systems are subject to state aeronautics jurisdiction. Recreational drone operators must follow FAA Part 107 or the recreational exception under 49 U.S.C. 44809, including TRUST testing and registration of drones over 250 grams. State law treats drones as aircraft, meaning local governments cannot regulate flight altitude or airspace, though they retain authority over takeoff and landing on public property and trespass and privacy under tort law. Minn. Stat. 626.19 separately regulates law-enforcement drone use and warrant requirements.

Operating in restricted airspace, without registration, or recklessly may result in FAA civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation, state misdemeanor charges, and civil liability.