Commercial Drone Operator Permits in North Carolina

Beyond the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate, NC commercial drone pilots must apply for a state Commercial Operator Permit through NCDOT Division of Aviation. The permit covers all commercial UAS work in the state, including aerial photography, mapping, inspection, and agricultural use. Government employees flying for official duties also need permits. State law preempts local licensing of pilots, so cities cannot require additional drone business licenses for flight operations themselves, though general business privilege license rules still apply where authorized.

Conducting commercial drone work without a state permit, lapsing certification, or commercial surveillance without consent can lead to civil penalties and license revocation.