Environmental Monitoring in Lenoir City, TN

Airports & LAANC Zones

• OQT — Oak Ridge Airport (uncontrolled, approximately 8 NM north)
• TYS — McGhee Tyson Airport (Class C airspace, approximately 10 NM east)
• DKX — Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (uncontrolled, approximately 15 NM northeast)

Restricted Airspace

• Lenoir City sits at the edge of the McGhee Tyson Class C airspace. The outer ring (10 NM radius, up to 10,000 ft MSL) may extend into the eastern portions of Lenoir City. The surface area (5 NM radius) does not reach Lenoir City. Check the FAA UAS Facility Maps for exact boundaries. LAANC authorization may be required for commercial drone operations in eastern Lenoir City.
• The Fort Loudoun Dam on the Tennessee River is within Lenoir City. The dam is TVA infrastructure designated as critical infrastructure under Tennessee SB 2106 with a 250-foot buffer. Operators should maintain appropriate distance from the dam and TVA transmission lines. There are no specific FAA airspace restrictions over the dam.
• Lenoir City's position between the TYS Class C outer ring and uncontrolled Class G airspace means operators should check the FAA UAS Facility Maps before each flight to determine if LAANC authorization is required for their specific location.

Local Ordinances

The City of Lenoir City does not maintain a dedicated municipal drone ordinance. Commercial operators follow FAA Part 107 rules and Tennessee state law. The Fort Loudoun Dam is TVA critical infrastructure with a 250-foot buffer under Tennessee SB 2106. Operators should coordinate with TVA police for any commercial operations near the dam. Commercial takeoff and landing from Lenoir City parks should be coordinated with the Lenoir City Parks and Recreation Department. The Lenoir City Park along the Tennessee River is a recreational area where drone operations should be coordinated with city staff. Operators working near the commercial areas along Highway 321 should notify property management before conducting inspections.