Mississippi Statewide Rule
Mississippi Commercial Drone Operations State Framework
Key Facts
- Federal rule
- FAA Part 107
- Critical-infrastructure statute
- Miss. Code § 97-47-5
- Pilot certificate
- Remote Pilot required
- Local airspace
- Preempted by FAA
- Altitude ceiling
- 400 feet AGL
Summary
Commercial drone operations in Mississippi are governed primarily by FAA Part 107, with state law adding criminal restrictions on critical-infrastructure surveillance under the Mississippi UAS Protection Act and on privacy violations. Local airspace regulation is largely preempted.
A person commits the offense of unlawful use of an unmanned aircraft system if he or she knowingly: (a) Uses an unmanned aircraft system to conduct surveillance of, collect information or data, or photographically or electronically record a critical infrastructure or correctional facility without the prior written consent of the owner, or the owner's designee, of the critical infrastructure or correctional facility; or
Full Breakdown
Commercial drone operators in Mississippi must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and follow federal rules including daylight or civil-twilight flight, 400-foot altitude ceilings, and visual line-of-sight unless waived. State law layers the Mississippi Unmanned Aircraft Systems Protection Act of 2021 (Miss. Code Sections 97-47-1 through 97-47-9): Section 97-47-5 makes it a misdemeanor to surveil or record a critical-infrastructure facility such as a refinery, chemical plant, pipeline, or electrical substation without the owner's written consent. Privacy protections under the Peeping Tom statute, Miss. Code Section 97-29-61, also apply. FAA authority preempts local airspace rules, though cities may regulate launch and recovery from city property.
Violations & Penalties
Surveilling critical infrastructure without consent under Miss. Code Section 97-47-5 is a misdemeanor; FAA rule violations can lead to certificate suspension and federal civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license for commercial drone work in Mississippi?
Can I fly a commercial drone over a Mississippi power plant?
Sources
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