Aerial Imaging Services in Benton, 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

Benton is governed by Arkansas state drone law (Act 819 of 2019) with local regulations limited by Ark. Code Ann. § 14-361-120, which preempts municipalities from regulating drone flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Benton may require permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks and public facilities. Benton Parks and Recreation manages Tyndall Park, Lyle Park, and the Saline River Trail system, where commercial drone operations require prior authorization. Saline County Regional Airport (BKF) requires drone operators to coordinate with the airport manager for any flights within 5 nautical miles. The Benton Planning Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the city zoning ordinance. Entergy Arkansas and First Electric Cooperative may have restrictions on drone flights near substations and power infrastructure in the growing eastern corridors.

Restricted Airspace

• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) Class C airspace extends approximately 5 NM from the airport surface up to 4,000 feet AGL. Benton sits southwest of the Class C outer shelf, but drone operators flying northeast toward Little Rock should check LAANC availability. The Class C surface area does not directly cover Benton, but transit corridors along I-30 and Highway 67 fall within the outer shelf.
• Saline County Regional Airport (BKF) is an active general aviation airport approximately 5 NM south of Benton. Drone operations within 5 NM require notification to the airport manager. BKF sees moderate GA traffic including corporate aircraft and flight training operations. The airport is expanding its apron and hangar capacity, which itself creates construction data collection opportunities.
• Camp Robinson Army National Guard Base is approximately 25 NM northeast in North Little Rock with restricted airspace (R-2601 A/B/C/D) used for military training. TFRs may be issued during training exercises. While this does not directly cover Benton, operators flying northeast toward the Little Rock metro should check NOTAMs.
• The Saline River runs through Benton and is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for recreational use. Commercial drone takeoff and landing on AGFC wildlife management areas along the river may require a special use permit. The Army Corps of Engineers manages flood control structures and levees in the area where commercial drone operations require coordination.
• Benton Municipal Airport (private grass strip) operates within city limits on the east side. Drone operators should coordinate with the airport owner for any flights within 5 NM. The airport serves small GA aircraft and has no control tower.