Aerial Imaging Services in Springdale, 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

Springdale 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 Springdale requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks and public facilities. Springdale Parks and Recreation manages Murphy Park, Luther George Park, and the Razorback Regional Greenway trail segments, where commercial drone operations require prior authorization. Springdale Municipal Airport (ASG) requires drone operators to coordinate with the airport manager for any flights within 5 nautical miles, particularly during corporate jet traffic hours serving Tyson Foods. The Springdale Planning Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the city Unified Development Ordinance, especially for industrial and warehouse projects along the Don Tyson Parkway corridor.

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 northwest edge of Springdale falls within this radius, so operators in the Harmon and Oak Grove areas should check the FAA B4UFLY app before flying.
• Springdale Municipal Airport (ASG) is an active general aviation airport within city limits along Robinson Avenue. While it does not have controlled Class D airspace, drone operators must notify the airport manager before flying within 5 nautical miles. The airport handles corporate jet traffic serving Tyson Foods headquarters and has an active traffic pattern that should be avoided during business hours.
• Arvest Ballpark, home of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Minor League Baseball), hosts large public gatherings during the season. FAA Part 107 prohibits flying directly over non-participants. Game days can trigger temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) extending up to 3 nautical miles around the stadium, typically from 1 hour before to 1 hour after events.
• Murphy Park and the Razorback Regional Greenway trail system are high-traffic recreational corridors. Commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned park property requires authorization from Springdale Parks and Recreation. The Springdale Creek Watershed and urban waterways have additional environmental sensitivity restrictions.
• Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith (approximately 85 NM south) has restricted airspace that does not extend into Washington or Benton County. However, TFRs for military training operations can occasionally affect the broader NWA region. Check NOTAMs before flying.