Aerial Imaging Services in Fayetteville, 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

Fayetteville 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. The City of Fayetteville requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks and public facilities. Fayetteville Parks and Recreation manages Lake Fayetteville Park, Wilson Park, and the city trail network, where commercial drone operations require prior authorization. Drake Field Airport (FYV) requires drone operators to coordinate with the airport manager for any flights within 5 nautical miles, especially during tower operating hours. The Fayetteville Planning Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the city Unified Development Ordinance. The U of A campus has additional restrictions for drone operations near athletic facilities and during game-day TFRs, coordinated through UAPD and the FAA.

Restricted Airspace

• Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Class D airspace extends to 4.3 nautical miles from the airport center. LAANC authorization required for commercial drone operations within this radius. The XNA Class D shelf sits at 2,500 feet MSL up to 5,000 feet MSL. The western edge of Fayetteville is approximately 15 NM from XNA, so most of the city is outside Class D but operators should verify on the FAA B4UFLY app.
• Drake Field Airport (FYV) is an active general aviation airport within south Fayetteville city limits. Drone operations within 5 NM require notification to the airport manager. The airport has a control tower that operates during limited hours, and the traffic pattern area should be avoided during active tower hours.
• The University of Arkansas campus hosts high-density public gatherings, especially at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Bud Walton Arena, and Baum-Walker Stadium. FAA Part 107 prohibits flying directly over non-participants. Game days trigger temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) that extend up to 3 nautical miles around the stadium, typically from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events.
• Lake Fayetteville and Lake Sequoyah are city-owned recreational areas. Commercial drone takeoff and landing on city park property requires authorization from Fayetteville Parks and Recreation. The Illinois River Watershed and the Ozark National Forest to the south have US Forest Service restrictions on commercial drone operations on federal land.
• The Arkansas Air National Guard 188th Wing at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith (approximately 85 NM south) has restricted airspace that does not extend into Washington County. However, TFRs for military training operations can occasionally affect the broader NWA region. Check NOTAMs before flying.