Aerial Imaging Services in Gulfport, 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

Gulfport falls within the FAA LAANC coverage area for 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 from the Harrison County Parks Department. The beachfront area along US-90 is managed by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR), which requires notification for any commercial drone flights over the sand beach and adjacent public access areas. Drone operations near Keesler Air Force Base require coordination with Keesler Tower, and military security zones may be active during training exercises. Hurricane evacuation zones cover much of the city — drone flights during active evacuation orders or storm conditions are prohibited. Contact Gulfport City Hall at (228) 868-5700 for questions about municipal park permits and filming requests.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Surface Area. GPT has a Class D airspace ring extending 5 SM from the surface up to 2,500 ft AGL. Commercial drone operators must check the FAA LAANC grid for GPT and obtain authorization before flying within the Class D ring. Contact Gulfport Tower (228-864-9391) for sectors not covered by LAANC. The Class D ring covers much of central Gulfport including the port area and downtown corridor.
• Military: Keesler Air Force Base Airspace. Keesler AFB (BIX) is a major Air Force training installation 5 NM east of Gulfport with its own Class D airspace. The base conducts T-6 Texan II and T-1 Jayhawk training flights, and drone flights near the base perimeter require coordination with Keesley Tower. A extended military operations area extends into the Biloxi Back Bay area. Drone operators should check NOTAMs for military training activity and avoid the Keesler Class D ring entirely unless cleared.
• Critical Infrastructure: Port of Gulfport (Port of Gulfport Expansion Project). The Port of Gulfport is a designated critical infrastructure facility and strategic seaport. Drone surveillance of port facilities, cargo terminals, and military cargo operations requires authorization from the Mississippi Port Authority and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The ongoing Port of Gulfport Restoration Program has expanded the west pier and container terminal, requiring frequent aerial mapping work for construction monitoring and as-built documentation.
• Stadium/Venue: Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center. Large arena and convention facility on the beach in Biloxi, 8 NM east of Gulfport. Drone flights over the coliseum during events are prohibited under FAA Part 107.39 (operations over people). The adjacent beachfront boardwalk area sees heavy pedestrian traffic during festivals and events, requiring additional care for any aerial mapping work along the US-90 corridor.
• National Seashore: Gulf Islands National Seashore (Ship Island District). Gulf Islands National Seashore extends along the Mississippi barrier islands south of Gulfport. 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. Aerial data collection of these areas requires special NPS research permits and coordination with the park superintendent.