Environmental Monitoring in Round Rock, TX

Airports & LAANC Zones

• GTU — Georgetown Municipal Airport (general aviation, 8 miles north, uncontrolled Class E)
• AUS — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (Class C, 20 miles south — LAANC required for southern Round Rock)
• EDC — Austin Executive Airport (Class D, 12 miles south in Manor — LAANC required)
• HYI — San Marcos Regional Airport (general aviation, 20 miles south, uncontrolled Class E)

Restricted Airspace

• Class C airspace around Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) — located 20 miles south. The northern shelves of AUS Class C extend into southern Round Rock. LAANC authorization is required for commercial drone flights south of SH 45 and along the I-35 corridor approaching Austin.
• Class D airspace around Austin Executive Airport (EDC) — located 12 miles south in Manor. Drone flights within 4 nautical miles require LAANC authorization. This affects data collection work in southern Round Rock near SH 45 and the Dell campus area.
• Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU) — located 8 miles north, uncontrolled Class E airspace. No LAANC required for most of Round Rock proper. However, GTU has active general aviation traffic including corporate jets and flight training. Pilots should monitor CTAF and maintain visual separation, especially during weekday commuting hours.
• Dell Technologies World HQ campus — while not formal restricted airspace, the 100-acre Dell campus has active security monitoring. Drone flights over the campus should be coordinated with Dell security, especially during corporate events and product launches.
• Dell Diamond and Round Rock Sports Complex — stadium TFRs during Round Rock Express games and sporting events prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL. The sports complex area along US 79 and Harrell Parkway is actively monitored during events.
• Kalahari Resorts and Convention Center — large indoor waterpark and convention facility. While not formal restricted airspace, the density of guests and outdoor pool areas means drone pilots should avoid flights over the resort, especially during peak season and conventions.
• Flash flooding and weather: Round Rock sits on Brushy Creek and Lake Creek, both of which are prone to flash flooding during spring thunderstorms. The city experienced severe flooding in 2010 and 2015. Post-flood data collection work requires coordination with the City of Round Rock Emergency Management. Summer thunderstorms and high humidity affect flight windows — morning flights are preferred May through September.

Local Ordinances

Round Rock does not issue a separate city-level drone permit for commercial operators. FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for Class C (AUS) and Class D (EDC) airspace are the primary requirements. Commercial filming on city property requires a permit through the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department. The city prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a special use permit, including Old Settlers Park, Play for All Abilities Park, and Round Rock Memorial Park. Flights from private property (with owner permission) do not require a city permit but must comply with all FAA Part 107 rules and Texas Government Code Chapter 423 critical infrastructure restrictions.