Aerial Imaging Services in Biloxi, MS

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Mississippi regulates drone operations primarily through MS Code § 97-29-59, which prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of or record images on private property without consent, and classifies violations as a misdemeanor. Mississippi does not require a separate state-level commercial drone license beyond the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, but operators must register their aircraft with the FAA and maintain visual line of sight. The state prohibits drone flights over correctional facilities, schools, and critical infrastructure including electrical substations and public water facilities. Mississippi is an FAA Part 107 state — local municipalities may add park-specific restrictions but cannot override federal airspace authority. Operators flying near Memphis International Airport Class B airspace must coordinate with MEM ATC or use LAANC for authorization. Always check for TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) before flying near the Tennessee-Mississippi border region.

Local Ordinances

Biloxi falls within the FAA LAANC coverage area for both Keesler AFB (BIX) and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) Class D airspace. The city does not have a dedicated municipal drone ordinance, but Harrison County park regulations prohibit drone takeoff and landing in county parks without a permit. The beachfront area along US-90 is managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), which requires notification for commercial drone flights over the sand beach and public access areas. Drone operations near Keesler AFB require coordination with Keesler Tower, and military security zones may be active during training exercises. Casino resort properties are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission — coordinate with property management before any aerial work. Hurricane evacuation zones cover the entire city. Contact Biloxi City Hall at (228) 435-7000 for municipal permits.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D: Keesler Air Force Base Surface Area. Keesler AFB (BIX) is located directly within Biloxi city limits with a Class D airspace ring extending 5 SM from the surface to 2,500 ft AGL. The base is a major Air Force technical training installation conducting T-6 Texan II and T-1 Jayhawk training flights. Drone flights within the Keesler Class D ring require authorization from Keesler Tower. Military training activity occurs daily, and NOTAMs should be checked before any flight near the base. The Class D ring covers much of central and western Biloxi including the casino resort corridor.
• Class D: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Surface Area. GPT has a Class D airspace ring 10 NM west of Biloxi covering the Gulfport side of the metro area. The GPT Class D extends into western Biloxi along the US-90 corridor. Commercial drone operators should check both GPT and BIX LAANC grids when flying in the Biloxi area, as the two Class D rings create overlapping controlled airspace zones along the coast.
• Military: Keesler AFB Training Operations Area. Beyond the Class D ring, Keesler AFB maintains an extended military operations area over the Biloxi Back Bay and surrounding waters. Military training flights including T-6 Texan II and T-1 Jayhawk aircraft operate at low altitudes over the Back Bay area. Drone operators should maintain awareness of military aircraft and check NOTAMs for active training schedules. Avoid the Back Bay area during published training windows.
• Critical Infrastructure: Biloxi Port and Casino Resort Infrastructure. The Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and commercial port facilities are designated critical infrastructure. Casino resort properties along the beachfront include large-scale buildings, parking structures, and utility infrastructure requiring coordination with property management for any aerial mapping work. The Mississippi Gaming Commission regulates activities at casino properties, and drone surveillance of gaming facilities requires authorization.
• National Seashore: Gulf Islands National Seashore (Biloxi District). Gulf Islands National Seashore extends along the Mississippi barrier islands south of Biloxi. The National Park Service prohibits drone takeoff and landing within all National Seashore boundaries. Ship Island, Horn Island, and Petit Bois Island are all within the seashore boundary and visible from the Biloxi coastline. Aerial data collection of these areas requires special NPS research permits.