Drone Laws in Connecticut

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Connecticut

Federal Aviation Administration

FAA Drone Website: https://www.faa.gov/uas/

Connecticut State Laws – Senate Bill 975 of State of Connecticut

UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in CT

Drone operation in CT State is broadly governed by The Federal USA agency responsible for drone safety, the FAA. The Connecticut legislature has enacted several supplemental rules specific to Connecticut drone operations. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the links above and search for unmanned aircraft

Public Act 17-52

Section 1. (NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section, “commercial unmanned aircraft” means an aircraft operated remotely by a pilot in command holding a valid remote pilot certificate with a small unmanned aircraft systems rating issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. 

(b) No municipality shall enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership, possession, purchase, sale, use, transportation or operation of any commercial unmanned aircraft or otherwise regulate the ownership, possession, purchase, sale, use, transportation or operation of such aircraft, except as otherwise authorized by state and federal law, and to the extent they do not conflict with policies and procedures adopted by the Connecticut Airport Authority. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any municipality that is also a water company, as defined in section 25-32a of the general statutes, may enact and enforce ordinances or resolutions that regulate or prohibit the use or operation of private and commercial unmanned aircraft over such municipality’s public water supply and Class I or Class II land, as described in section 25-37c of the general statutes, provided such ordinances or resolutions do not conflict with federal law or policies and procedures adopted by the Connecticut Airport Authority.

Approved June 13, 2017

UAS in State Parks

The use of remote controlled model aircraft or “drones” is prohibited at Connecticut State Parks, State Forests or other lands under the control of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, unless specifically authorized by the Commissioner in a Special Use License. 

Remote control aircraft and drones fly at low altitudes, and rely on a fuel or battery motor to stay aloft.  Failure of the motor or other equipment will result in an uncontrolled descent, which could result in injury to others or damage to state or personal property.  Additionally, the operation of these aircraft by an untrained pilot also creates risk of injury and/or property damage.  As there is currently no licensing requirement for pilots, there is no reliable mechanism for DEEP to be assured of pilot competence.  This type of potentially hazardous activity is prohibited by our Park and Forest Regulations (Regulations of CT State Agencies §23-4-1 (o)).

The operation of these aircraft are noisy.  Activities that create noise which infringes on the ability of other park goers to enjoy their visit to the park or forest is prohibited by our regulations at §23-4-1(x).  Impacts of this noise on wildlife in our parks and forests is another concern.  Activities that are disruptive to wildlife are prohibited by our regulations at §23-4-1(b).  

If you have questions or need additional information on Connecticut State Parks and Forests, please contact the State Parks Division by e-mail at deep.stateparks@ct.gov or by phone at 860-424-3200.

Content Last Updated November 2017

Notes For Drone Hobbyists flying for fun in Connecticut

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following the Drone Laws in USA defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Recreational drone operations in Connecticut are approved under FAA Part 107. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

Hobbyist rules in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Preserves

Please see the information provided above and contact Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for more details

Notes for Commercial Drone Services operations in CT

If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Drone Laws in USA defined by FAA Part 107 guidelines.

Commercial drone operations in CT State are approved under the FAA Part 107. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

Commercial rules in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Preserves

Please see the information provided above and contact Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for more details

Useful published information on flying drones in Connecticut

We have partnered with the FAA and other drone enthusiasts in supporting an internet educational campaign called Know Before You Fly. The tips, pointers, and resources apply to Connecticut Drone Users also. Please visit the site for additional information: Know Before You Fly

Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International – Mostly for commercial drone service providers and users.

Academy of Model Aeronautics – Mostly for hobbyists

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