Montana Commercial Drone Operations Federal Preemption

Commercial drone operations in Montana are governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 107, which requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, aircraft registration over 0.55 pounds, and adherence to flight rules including 400-foot altitude ceilings and visual line-of-sight. Federal law preempts local regulation of flight operations. Montana adds state-level restrictions: MCA 46-5-109 limits law-enforcement aerial surveillance without a warrant; MCA 45-8-213 protects against image-capture on private property; and MCA 87-3-142 prohibits drone use that harasses wildlife or hunters. Cities may regulate launch and landing from public property and enforce zoning where drone operations occur.

Federal violations carry FAA civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation; state privacy violations are misdemeanors. Evidence obtained illegally is inadmissible in court.