Aerial Imaging Services in Southaven, 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

Southaven does not have a dedicated municipal drone ordinance, but DeSoto County park regulations prohibit drone takeoff and landing in county parks without a permit from the DeSoto County Parks Department. Snowden Grove Park, a major sports complex, has strict no-fly policies during tournaments. The Southaven Parks and Recreation Department manages Central Park, Banks Park, and other municipal green spaces where drone operations may require prior approval. Flying near the Landers Center arena requires coordination with venue management. Southaven sits under the outer shelf of Memphis International Airport Class B airspace — all commercial drone operators must check LAANC grid availability and obtain airspace authorization before any flight. Contact Southaven City Hall at (662) 280-2489 for park use permits.

Restricted Airspace

• Class B: Memphis International Airport Surface Area. MEM Class B airspace extends into DeSoto County with shelves at various altitudes. Southaven lies under the outer rings of MEM Class B. Commercial drone operators must check the FAA LAANC grid for MEM and obtain authorization before flying in controlled airspace. Contact Memphis TRACON (M40) for sectors not covered by LAANC.
• Critical Infrastructure: Entergy Mississippi Substations (DeSoto County). Electrical substations serving the Southaven power grid are designated critical infrastructure under Mississippi state law. Drone surveillance of electrical facilities without authorization is prohibited. Coordinate with Entergy Mississippi Security for any data collection work near substations or transmission corridors.
• College/University: Northwest Mississippi Community College DeSoto Center. Satellite campus in Southaven. Drone flights over campus buildings and crowded areas require coordination with campus security and NWCC administration.
• Stadium/Venue: Landers Center (Snowden Grove). Large indoor arena and outdoor sports complex in Southaven. Drone flights over the Landers Center and Snowden Grove baseball complex during events are prohibited under FAA Part 107 temporary flight restrictions.
• Military: Memphis Air National Guard (adjacent to MEM). The 164th Airlift Wing operates from Memphis ANGB adjacent to MEM International. Military operations area extends into northern DeSoto County — drone operators should avoid the MEM ANG perimeter and check NOTAMs for military flight activity.