Aerial Imaging Services in Bella Vista, AR

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Arkansas require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Arkansas regulates drones primarily through Act 819 of 2019 and Ark. Code Ann. § 5-60-130, which prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft to conduct surveillance of a person, place, or thing without consent when a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. The law creates a civil cause of action for persons subjected to unauthorized drone surveillance and restricts law enforcement drone use to require a warrant except in exigent circumstances, search and rescue, and wildfire response. Ark. Code Ann. § 14-361-120 preempts local municipalities from regulating drone flight paths, navigable airspace, or pilot qualifications, though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Arkansas does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The Arkansas Department of Aviation maintains UAS guidelines and encourages operators to coordinate with the state aviation director for operations near public-use airports. Arkansas state parks require a permit from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for commercial drone takeoff and landing. Operators near military installations (Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville) must coordinate with base operations and check for active TFRs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL. Arkansas has no additional state drone registration requirement beyond FAA registration.

Local Ordinances

Bella Vista operates under Arkansas state drone law (Act 819 of 2019) with local regulations limited by Ark. Code Ann. § 14-361-120, which preempts municipalities from regulating flight paths and navigable airspace. Bella Vista is unique in Northwest Arkansas because much of its land and common areas — including seven private lakes, golf courses, and trail systems — are managed by the Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA). Commercial drone takeoff and landing on POA-managed common property requires prior authorization from the POA. The city has no municipal airport within its boundaries, but the proximity to Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT) requires operator notification for flights within 5 nautical miles. Bella Vista Parks and Recreation manages bluffs, trails, and recreational facilities where commercial drone operations require prior approval. The Benton County planning jurisdiction requires aerial imaging documentation for major subdivision and site plan submissions in the unincorporated portions around Bella Vista.

Restricted Airspace

• Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Class D airspace extends to 4.3 nautical miles from the airport center. Bella Vista is approximately 15 NM northeast of XNA, placing most of the city outside the Class D surface area. However, the XNA Class D shelf at 2,500 feet MSL up to 5,000 feet MSL may extend into the southwestern edge of Bella Vista at higher altitudes. Check LAANC availability for the corridor.
• Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT/Louise M. Thaden Field) is approximately 8 NM south of Bella Vista. Drone operations within 5 NM of VBT require notification to the airport manager. The approach and departure corridors along the runway alignment can affect southern Bella Vista, particularly the Arkansas Highway 279 corridor.
• Camp Robinson in North Little Rock (approximately 200 NM southeast) has restricted military airspace that does not extend into Benton County. However, TFRs for military training operations can occasionally affect the broader NWA region. Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith (approximately 90 NM south) also has restricted airspace that does not reach Bella Vista. Check NOTAMs before flying.
• Bella Vista is home to seven private lakes (Loch Lomond, Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, Lake Rayburn, and Lake Brittany) managed by the Bella Vista Property Owners Association. Commercial drone operations over these lakes and common areas require POA permission. The lakes are surrounded by residential property with privacy expectations under Arkansas Act 819 of 2019.
• Table Rock Lake to the north and the Ozark National Forest to the east are federally managed areas. Commercial drone takeoff and landing on US Army Corps of Engineers property around Table Rock Lake requires a special use permit. The Ozark National Forest may have restrictions on commercial drone operations on US Forest Service land.