Aerial Imaging Services in Tennessee
Connect with FAA-certified drone operators across 48 cities in Tennessee. From topographic data collection to construction monitoring, find local operators who know your airspace, your regulations, and your market.
Tennessee Drone Regulations
Tennessee regulates drone operations through six state statutes: SB 2106 (2016) prohibits flying within 250 feet of critical infrastructure for surveillance, HB 153 (2015) bans drone image capture over open-air events and fireworks, SB 1892 (2014) makes intentional surveillance of individuals or property a Class C misdemeanor, SB 1777 (2014) prohibits hunting/fishing surveillance, SB 796 (2013) requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant for drone surveillance, and HB 2376 (2016) clarifies educational use permissions. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Tennessee does not require a separate state drone license. Nashville/Davidson County prohibits drone operations in county parks except in designated flying areas (Ordinance 13.24.400). Military restricted airspace around Fort Campbell, NSA Mid-South, McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Arnold AFB, Holston Army Ammunition Plant, and Milan AAP is federally enforced and supersedes state regulations. Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits all drone flights within park boundaries under NPS regulations. TVA dams and power plants are designated critical infrastructure under SB 2106, requiring a 250-foot buffer.
Primary statute: Tennessee SB 2106, HB 153, SB 1892, SB 1777, SB 796, HB 2376 (2013-2016)
Last verified: 2026-07-04
Airspace & Flying in Tennessee
Tennessee has moderate airspace complexity. Nashville International Airport has Class C airspace, while Memphis International has Class C airspace as well. The state has several military installations with restricted airspace, including Fort Campbell on the Tennessee-Kentucky border and Arnold Air Force Base. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits all drone operations. TVA dams and power plants are designated critical infrastructure under Tennessee law.
Military Installations & Restricted Airspace
- Fort Campbell — restricted military airspace on the TN-KY border, 101st Airborne Division
- Arnold Air Force Base — restricted airspace near Tullahoma, Arnold Engineering Development Complex
- NSA Mid-South — restricted airspace near Millington, north of Memphis
- McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base — restricted airspace near Knoxville
- Holston Army Ammunition Plant — restricted airspace near Kingsport
- Milan Army Ammunition Plant — restricted airspace in Gibson County
State Parks & Public Lands
Tennessee State Parks generally allow drone operations but check with individual park managers. Nashville/Davidson County Ordinance 13.24.400 prohibits drones in all county parks except in designated flying areas. Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS regulations.
Tennessee Construction Market
Tennessee is experiencing rapid construction growth, driven by the Nashville metro which is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States. Major corporate relocations to Nashville, residential development in Williamson and Rutherford counties, and infrastructure projects across the state create sustained demand for aerial imaging. The Memphis logistics corridor, Chattanooga manufacturing hub, and Knoxville-Oak Ridge technology corridor all contribute to a diverse construction market. TVA infrastructure projects and state highway expansions add to aerial data demand.
Typical Aerial Imaging Costs in Tennessee
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Topographic Data Collection | $1,000 - $4,500 |
| Drone Inspection | $500 - $2,800 |
| LiDAR Scanning | $1,800 - $9,000 |
| Construction Monitoring | $350 - $1,800 |
Cost ranges vary by project size, terrain complexity, and deliverable requirements. Get an exact quote from a local drone operator.
Services Available in Tennessee
Cities We Serve in Tennessee
48 cities with local aerial imaging coverage. Select your city for regulations, costs, and local operator connections.
Nashville
Davidson
Pop. 689,447
Memphis
Shelby
Pop. 633,104
Knoxville
Knox
Pop. 195,000
Clarksville
Montgomery
Pop. 167,000
Murfreesboro
Rutherford
Pop. 152,769
Franklin
Williamson
Pop. 83,454
Hendersonville
Sumner
Pop. 61,753
Bartlett
Shelby
Pop. 57,000
Smyrna
Rutherford
Pop. 53,070
Collierville
Shelby
Pop. 51,000
Spring Hill
Maury
Pop. 50,005
Brentwood
Williamson
Pop. 45,373
Gallatin
Sumner
Pop. 44,000
Columbia
Maury
Pop. 42,000
Germantown
Shelby
Pop. 41,000
Mount Juliet
Wilson
Pop. 39,289
La Vergne
Rutherford
Pop. 38,719
Lebanon
Wilson
Pop. 38,431
Cookeville
Putnam
Pop. 35,000
Oak Ridge
Anderson
Pop. 31,000
Maryville
Blount
Pop. 30,000
Farragut
Knox
Pop. 25,000
Shelbyville
Bedford
Pop. 24,000
Tullahoma
Coffee
Pop. 20,000
Springfield
Robertson
Pop. 19,000
Sevierville
Sevier
Pop. 18,000
Goodlettsville
Davidson
Pop. 17,789
Dyersburg
Dyer
Pop. 17,000
Dickson
Dickson
Pop. 16,000
Arlington
Shelby
Pop. 14,500
Lakeland
Shelby
Pop. 14,500
Nolensville
Williamson
Pop. 13,829
Portland
Sumner
Pop. 13,000
White House
Sumner
Pop. 13,000
Lewisburg
Marshall
Pop. 12,000
Alcoa
Blount
Pop. 11,000
Millington
Shelby
Pop. 11,000
Atoka
Tipton
Pop. 10,000
Clinton
Anderson
Pop. 10,000
Lenoir City
Loudon
Pop. 10,000
Covington
Tipton
Pop. 9,000
Oakland
Fayette
Pop. 9,000
Thompson's Station
Williamson
Pop. 7,485
Greenbrier
Robertson
Pop. 7,000
Munford
Tipton
Pop. 6,500
Millersville
Sumner
Pop. 6,299
Pigeon Forge
Sevier
Pop. 6,000
Gatlinburg
Sevier
Pop. 4,000
Tennessee Aerial Imaging FAQs
Does Tennessee require a state drone license?
No. Tennessee does not require a separate state drone license. Commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Tennessee has six state-level drone statutes addressing privacy, critical infrastructure, and law enforcement use, but none require state licensing.
Can I fly a drone in Nashville city parks?
No. Nashville/Davidson County Ordinance 13.24.400 prohibits drone operations in all county parks except in designated flying areas. Check with Metro Nashville Parks for designated flying locations.
Can I fly a drone over the Great Smoky Mountains?
No. Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits all drone operations under National Park Service regulations. This is federally enforced and applies to all national parks and monuments.
What is the 250-foot rule in Tennessee?
Tennessee SB 2106 (2016) prohibits flying a drone within 250 feet of critical infrastructure facilities for surveillance purposes. TVA dams, power plants, and refineries are designated critical infrastructure. Violations can result in criminal charges.
How much does aerial imaging cost in Tennessee?
Topographic aerial imaging in Tennessee typically costs $1,000 to $4,500. Construction monitoring starts around $350 per flight. LiDAR scanning ranges from $1,800 to $9,000. Nashville metro pricing tends to be higher than other areas of the state.
Are there drone restrictions at Tennessee sporting events?
Yes. Tennessee HB 153 (2015) bans drone image capture over festivals, concerts, sporting events, and fireworks displays. Stadium TFRs also apply during UT sporting events at Neyland Stadium (3 NM radius, up to 3,000 feet AGL).
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