Aerial Imaging Services in Cabot, 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

Cabot 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 Cabot may require permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks and public facilities. Cabot Parks and Recreation manages Cabot Community Pond Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and the Cabot Sports Complex, where commercial drone operations require prior authorization. Little Rock Air Force Base (LRF) approximately 12 NM to the west requires drone operators to coordinate with base operations for any flights within 5 NM of the installation. The Cabot 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 Highway 67/167 corridor.

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. Cabot sits northeast of Little Rock along Highway 67/167, and the Class C outer shelf extends into the western edge of the Cabot area. Drone operators flying west toward Little Rock must check LAANC availability and obtain authorization before entering controlled airspace.
• Little Rock Air Force Base (LRF) in Jacksonville is approximately 12 NM west of Cabot and hosts C-130J Super Hercules operations. The base has associated restricted airspace (R-2601 A/B/C/D) used for military training flights. TFRs may be issued during training exercises. While the restricted areas do not directly cover Cabot, the military traffic pattern and low-level routes pass over or near the area. Operators should check NOTAMs before flying west of Cabot.
• Lonoke County Airport (5M0 — Sails Airfield near Austin) is a small general aviation airport approximately 8 NM north of Cabot. Drone operations within 5 NM require notification to the airport manager. The airport serves small GA aircraft and agricultural spray operations with no control tower.
• Camp Robinson Army National Guard Base is approximately 20 NM west in North Little Rock with restricted airspace (R-2601 A/B/C/D) used for military training. TFRs may be issued during training exercises. Operators flying west toward the Little Rock metro should check NOTAMs.
• The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission manages several wildlife management areas in Lonoke County. Commercial drone takeoff and landing on AGFC wildlife management areas may require a special use permit. The Cache River and Bayou Two Prairie areas east of Cabot have flood control infrastructure managed by the Army Corps of Engineers where commercial drone operations require coordination.