Drone Laws in Nevada

Last updated on August 12th, 2023 at 08:13 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the State of Nevada

Federal Aviation Administration

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

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Nevada

Drone operation in the State of Nevada is broadly governed by The Federal USA agency responsible for drone safety, the FAA. Click here for details on FAA USA Drone Laws.

In addition, the Nevada State legislature has enacted several supplemental rules specific to Nevada drone operations. The highlights are enumerated below.

Are drones allowed in Nevada?

Drones are allowed in Nevada for recreational and commercial use, subject to FAA regulations and flight controls put in place by local governments. Read on for details.

Specific additional drone use laws by Nevada legislature

Assembly Bill AB 239 (2015)

AB 239 forbids any form of UAS weaponization. It also prohibits drone operations within a specified distance of Nevada’s airports and critical facilities. Examples of “critical facilities” are petroleum refineries, petroleum/chemical production/storage/transportation, chemical manufacturing, chemical processing facilities, and wastewater treatment plants, etc.

Exceptions to the above are granted with official permission from the relevant bodies. The law also restricts the use of UAVs by public agencies and law enforcement.

NRS 360.753 Partial abatement of certain taxes imposed on aircraft, components of aircraft, and other personal property used for certain purposes related to aircraft: Powers and duties of Office of Economic Development, Nevada Tax Commission, an applicant for abatement, business approved for abatement, and county treasurer. [Effective through June 30, 2035.]

Title 44 Aeronautics, Chapter 493 – GENERAL PROVISIONS

UNIFORM LAW

NRS 493.010 Short title.

NRS 493.010 to 493.120, inclusive, may be cited as the Uniform State Law for Aeronautics.

[12:66:1923; NCL § 286] — (NRS A 2015, 1777)

NRS 493.020 Definitions.

NRS 493.030 Sovereignty in space.

NRS 493.040 Ownership of space.

NRS 493.050 Lawfulness of flight and landing; liability for a forced landing.

1. Flight of an aircraft over the lands and waters of this state is lawful:
   • Unless at such a low altitude as to interfere with the then existing use to which the land or water, or the space over the land or water, is put by the owner.
   • Unless so conducted as to be imminently dangerous to persons or property lawfully on the land or water beneath.
   • Unless specifically prohibited by the provisions of NRS 493.010 to 493.120, inclusive, or any regulations adopted pursuant thereto
2. The landing of an aircraft on the lands or waters of another, without his or her consent, is unlawful, except in the case of a forced landing. For damages caused by a forced landing, the owner, lessee or operator of the aircraft is liable as provided in NRS 493.060.

[4:66:1923; NCL § 278] — (NRS A 1991, 253; 2015, 1777)

NRS 493.060 Liability for damages on land or water; lien for damages.

1. The owner of every aircraft which is operated over the lands or waters of this state is presumed liable for injuries to persons or property on the land or water beneath, caused by the:
   • Ascent, descent, or flight of the aircraft; or
   • Dropping or falling of any object therefrom, unless the injury is caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the person injured, or of the owner or bailee of the property injured.

NRS 493.070 Liability for a collision of aircraft.

The liability of the owner of one aircraft to the owner of another aircraft, or to operators or passengers in either aircraft, for damage caused by a collision on land or in the air, must be determined by the rules of law applicable to torts on land.

[6:66:1923; NCL § 280] — (NRS A 1991, 253)

NRS 493.080 Jurisdiction over crimes and torts.

All crimes, torts, and other wrongs committed by or against an operator or passenger while in flight over this state are governed by the laws of this state.

NRS 493.090 Jurisdiction over contracts.

NRS 493.100 Dangerous flying: Penalty.

1. Any operator or passenger, while an aircraft is in flight over a heavily populated area or over a public gathering within this state, who:
   • Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, engages in trick or acrobatic flying, or in any acrobatic feat;
   • Except while in landing or taking off, flies at such a low level as to endanger the persons on the surface beneath; or
   • Drops any object with reckless disregard for the safety of other persons and willful indifference to injuries that could reasonably result from dropping the object, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
2. The provisions of paragraph (a) of subsection 1 do not apply to the operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle in a park unless the operator is operating the unmanned aerial vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of other persons and with willful indifference to injuries that could reasonably result from such operation.

[9:66:1923; NCL § 283] — (NRS A 1967, 596; 1991, 254; 2015, 1778)

NRS 493.103 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Action for trespass against owner or operator; exceptions; award of treble damages for injury to person or property; award of attorney’s fees and costs and injunctive relief.

1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person who owns or lawfully occupies real property in this State may bring an action for trespass against the owner or operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle that is flown at a height of less than 250 feet over the property if:
   • The owner or operator of the unmanned aerial vehicle has flown the unmanned aerial vehicle over the property at a height of less than 250 feet on at least one previous occasion; and
   • The person who owns or occupies the real property notified the owner or operator of the unmanned aerial vehicle that the person did not authorize the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle over the property at a height of less than 250 feet. For the purposes of this paragraph, a person may place the owner or operator of an unmanned aerial vehicle on notice in the manner prescribed in subsection 2 of NRS 207.200.
2. A person may not bring an action pursuant to subsection 1 if:
   • The unmanned aerial vehicle is lawfully in the flight path for landing at an airport, airfield or runway.
   • The unmanned aerial vehicle is in the process of taking off or landing.
   • The unmanned aerial vehicle was under the lawful operation of:
     • A law enforcement agency in accordance with NRS 493.112.
     • A public agency in accordance with NRS 493.115.
   • The unmanned aerial vehicle was under the lawful operation of a business registered in this State or a land surveyor if:
     • The operator is licensed or otherwise approved to operate the unmanned aerial vehicle by the Federal Aviation Administration;
     • The unmanned aerial vehicle is being operated within the scope of the lawful activities of the business or surveyor; and
     • The operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle does not unreasonably interfere with the existing use of the real property.
3. A plaintiff who prevails in an action for trespass brought pursuant to subsection 1 is entitled to recover treble damages for any injury to the person or the real property as the result of the trespass. In addition to the recovery of damages pursuant to this subsection, a plaintiff may be awarded reasonable attorney’s fees and costs and injunctive relief.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1774)

NRS 493.106 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Weaponization prohibited; penalties.

1. A person shall not weaponize an unmanned aerial vehicle or operate a weaponized unmanned aerial vehicle. A person who violates this section is guilty of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.
2. A person who weaponizes an unmanned aerial vehicle in violation of subsection 1 and who discharges the weapon is guilty of a category C felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1773)

NRS 493.109 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Operation near critical facility or within 5 miles of airport prohibited; exceptions; penalty.

1. A person shall not operate an unmanned aerial vehicle within:
   • A horizontal distance of 500 feet or a vertical distance of 250 feet from a critical facility without the written consent of the owner of the critical facility.
   • Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, 5 miles of an airport.
2. A person may operate an unmanned aerial vehicle within 5 miles of an airport only if the person obtains the consent of the airport authority or the operator of the airport, or if the person has otherwise obtained a waiver, exemption or other authorization for such operation pursuant to any rule or regulation of the Federal Aviation Administration. A person who is authorized to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle within 5 miles of an airport pursuant to this subsection shall, at all times during such operation, maintain on his or her person documentation of any waiver, exemption, authorization or consent permitting such operation.
3. A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.
4. As used in this section, “airport” means any area of land or water owned, operated or maintained by or on behalf of a city, county, town, municipal corporation or airport authority that is designed and set aside for the landing and taking off of aircraft and that is utilized in the interest of the public for such purposes.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1773)

NRS 493.112 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Operation by law enforcement agency; warrant required under certain circumstances; information acquired in violation of section inadmissible and may not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, nothing in this section shall be deemed to otherwise prohibit the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle by a law enforcement agency for any lawful purpose in this State.
2. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 3, a law enforcement agency shall not operate an unmanned aerial vehicle for the purpose of gathering evidence or other information within the curtilage of a residence or at any other location or upon any property in this State at which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, unless the law enforcement agency first obtains a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction authorizing the use of the unmanned aerial vehicle for that purpose. A warrant authorizing the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle must specify the period for which operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle is authorized. A warrant must not authorize the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle for a period of more than 10 days. Upon motion and a showing of probable cause, a court may renew a warrant after the expiration of the period for which the warrant was initially issued.
3. A law enforcement agency may operate an unmanned aerial vehicle without obtaining a warrant issued pursuant to subsection 2:
   • If the law enforcement agency has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime, is committing a crime or is about to commit a crime, and exigent circumstances exist that make it unreasonable for the law enforcement agency to obtain a warrant authorizing the use of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
   • If a person provides written consent to the law enforcement agency authorizing the law enforcement agency to acquire information about the person or the real or personal property of the person. The written consent must specify the information to be gathered and the time, place and manner in which the information is to be gathered by the law enforcement agency.
   • For the purpose of conducting search and rescue operations for persons and property in distress.
   • Under circumstances in which the law enforcement agency believes that an imminent threat exists to the life and safety of an individual person or to the public at large, including, without limitation, the threat of an act of terrorism. A law enforcement agency that operates an unmanned aerial vehicle pursuant to this paragraph shall document the factual basis for its belief that such an imminent threat exists and shall, not later than 2 business days after initiating operation, file a sworn statement with a court of competent jurisdiction describing the nature of the imminent threat and the need for the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle.
   • Upon the declaration of a state of emergency or disaster by the Governor. A law enforcement agency that operates an unmanned aerial vehicle pursuant to this paragraph shall not use the unmanned aerial vehicle outside of the geographic area specified in the declaration or for any purpose other than the preservation of public safety, the protection of property, or the assessment and evaluation of environmental or weather-related damage, erosion or contamination.
4. Any photograph, image, recording or other information that is acquired by a law enforcement agency through the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle in violation of this section, or that is acquired from any other person or governmental entity, including, without limitation, a public agency and any department or agency of the Federal Government, that obtained the photograph, image, recording or other information in a manner inconsistent with the requirements of this section, and any evidence that is derived therefrom:
   • Is not admissible in and must not be disclosed in a judicial, administrative or other adjudicatory proceeding; and
   • May not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause as the basis for investigating or prosecuting a crime or offense.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1775)

NRS 493.115 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Operation by public agency; requirements; prohibited uses; information acquired in violation of section inadmissible and may not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause.

1. A public agency:
   • May operate an unmanned aerial vehicle only if:
     • Before the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the public agency registers the unmanned aerial vehicle with the Department pursuant to subsection 2 of NRS 493.118.
     • The public agency operates the unmanned aerial vehicle in accordance with the regulations adopted by the Department pursuant to subsection 4 of NRS 493.118.
   • Must not operate an unmanned aerial vehicle for the purposes of assisting a law enforcement agency with law enforcement or conducting a criminal prosecution.
     • Any photograph, image, recording or other information that is acquired by a public agency through the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle in violation of this section, and any evidence that is derived therefrom:
       • Is not admissible in, and must not be disclosed in, a judicial, administrative, or other adjudicatory proceeding; and
       • May not be used to establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause as the basis for investigating or prosecuting a crime or offense.

(Added to NRS by 2015, 1776)

NRS 493.118 Unmanned aerial vehicles: Department of Public Safety required to establish and maintain a registry of such vehicles operated by public agencies; public agencies required to submit certain information for inclusion in the registry; annual reports to Legislature; regulations.

1. The Department shall, to the extent that money is available for this purpose, establish and maintain a registry of unmanned aerial vehicles that are operated by public agencies in this State. The Department shall include on its Internet website the information that is maintained in the registry.
2. A public agency shall, for each unmanned aerial vehicle the public agency intends to operate, submit to the Department, on a form provided by the Department, for inclusion in the registry:
   • The name of the public agency;
   • The name and contact information of each operator of the unmanned aerial vehicle;
   • Sufficient information to identify the unmanned aerial vehicle; and
   • A statement describing the use of the unmanned aerial vehicle by the public agency.

NRS 493.120 Uniformity of interpretation.

NRS 493.010 to 493.120, inclusive, shall be so interpreted and construed as to effectuate their general purpose to make uniform the law of those states which enact them, and to harmonize, as far as possible, with federal laws and regulations on the subject of aeronautics. They shall not be interpreted or construed to apply in any manner to aircraft owned and operated by the Federal Government.

[11:66:1923; NCL § 285] — (NRS A 2015, 1778)

REGULATION

NRS 493.130 Operation of an aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substance or in a reckless manner: Penalty; exception.

1. Any person operating an aircraft in the air, or on the ground or water:
   • While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance, unless in accordance with a lawfully issued prescription; or
   • In a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another,  is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
2. As used in this section:
   • “Aircraft” includes an unmanned aerial vehicle as that term is defined in subsection 8 of NRS 493.020.

[1:114:1947; 1943 NCL § 288.1] — (NRS A 1967, 597; 1971, 2031; 1973, 8; 1987, 1554; 1993, 2237; 1995, 1723; 2015, 1778)

NRS 493.140 Standards for determining whether the operation is careless or reckless.

In any proceeding charging careless or reckless operation of aircraft in violation of NRS 493.130 to 493.200, inclusive, the court in determining whether the operation was careless or reckless shall consider the standards for the safe operation of aircraft prescribed by federal statutes or regulations governing aeronautics.

NRS 493.150 United States certificate, permit, or license required for the operation of civil aircraft within State.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause or authorize to be operated any civil aircraft within this State unless such aircraft has an appropriate effective certificate, permit, or license issued by the United States, if such certificate, permit or license is required by the United States.

NRS 493.160 Licensing of airmen and operators.

It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in aeronautics as an airman or operator in this state unless the person has an appropriate effective airman certificate, permit, rating, or license issued by the United States authorizing him or her to engage in the particular class of aeronautics in which he or she is engaged, if such certificate, permit, rating or license is required by the United States.

[4:114:1947; 1943 NCL § 288.4] — (NRS A 1991, 254)

NRS 493.170 Licensing of aeronautics instructors.

It shall be unlawful for any aeronautics instructor to give instruction in flying unless such instructor has an appropriate effective instructor’s rating, certificate, permit, or license as a flight instructor issued by the United States.

NRS 493.180 Posting and inspection of the license of airman and aircraft.

1. Where a certificate, permit, rating or license is required for an airman by the United States, it shall:
   • Be kept in the airman’s personal possession when he or she is operating within the State.
   • Be presented for inspection upon the demand of any peace officer, or any other officer of this state or of a municipality, or any official, manager or person in charge of any airport upon which the airman shall land, or upon the reasonable request of any other person.
2. Where a certificate, permit or license is required by the United States for an aircraft, it shall:
   • Be carried in the aircraft at all times while the aircraft is operating in the State.
   • Be conspicuously posted in the aircraft where it may be readily seen by passengers or inspectors.
   • Be presented for inspection upon the demand of any peace officer, or any other officer of the State or of a municipality, or any official, manager or person in charge of any airport upon which the aircraft shall land, or upon the reasonable request of any person.

NRS 493.190 Powers and duties of state and municipal officers.

Every state and municipal officer charged with the enforcement of state and municipal laws, shall enforce and assist in the enforcement of NRS 493.130 to 493.200, inclusive, and of all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant thereto, and of all other laws of this state relating to aeronautics. In that connection, each of the aforesaid persons is authorized to inspect and examine at reasonable hours any premises, and the buildings and other structures thereon, where airports, air navigation facilities, air schools, or other aeronautical activities are operated or conducted.

NRS 493.200 Penalty.

Unless a specific penalty is otherwise provided, any person violating any of the provisions of NRS 493.130 to 493.200, inclusive, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

NRS 493.210  Aerial navigational chart: Contents; fee; use of receipts.

1. The Commission on Tourism shall prepare and publish an aerial navigational chart of the State for the use of pilots of private aircraft. The chart must contain such navigational and other information as the Commission determines to be desirable. The Commission shall charge a fee for each chart which is sufficient to pay for the cost of printing the chart.
2. The Aerial Navigational Chart Account is hereby created in the State General Fund. All money received by the Commission pursuant to subsection 1 must be deposited in the Account. Money in the Account may only be used by the Commission for printing aerial navigational charts of the State for the use of pilots of private aircraft.

  (Added to NRS by 1979, 1091; A 1983, 1171)

Chapter 551: SB421 AN ACT relating to aeronautics; requiring the establishment and carrying out of a program relating to certain unmanned aircraft systems; making an appropriation; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

Specific additional UAV laws by local governments within Nevada

Las Vegas City Parks| Municipal Ordinance (2010)

This local ordinance bans the use of aircraft (including drones) within all city park property. The rule extends to parking lots within city parks.

Other counties or towns within Nevada may have specific restrictions within their jurisdictions. We recommend checking the local jurisdiction for the latest regulations.

UAS operation rules in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Preserves

No specific drone laws regarding parks within Nevada were found at the time of our search. We recommend checking the local jurisdiction for the latest regulations.

Specific additional UAV laws laws in Jurisdictions within Nevada

Counties or towns within Nevada may have specific restrictions within their jurisdictions. We recommend checking the local jurisdiction for the latest regulations.

What you must know about Nevada No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

You need to know if you can operate your drone, under what limitations, whether authorizations are required, and how to get those authorizations.

We encourage you to read our explainer for more details on this topic here: Explainer – What You Must Know About No Fly Zones or No Drone Zones

How do I check for no-fly zones, no-drone zones, and uncontrolled or controlled airspace in Nevada?

The FAA has partnered with Aloft to develop the B4UFLY mobile app, which can tell you if there are any airspace restrictions where you want to fly.

If you are looking for a drone no fly zone map then B4UFLY is a good place to start.

The app provides situational awareness to recreational flyers and other drone users. However, it does not allow users to obtain airspace authorizations to fly in controlled airspace, only available through the FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).

The B4UFLY app is available to download for free:

B4UFLY at the App Store for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/b4ufly-drone-airspace-safety/id992427109

B4UFLY at the Google Play store for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.faa.b4ufly2&hl=en_US&gl=US

B4UFLY is also available as a desktop version for preflight planning and research. https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/ (“B4UFLY App | Federal Aviation Administration”)

How do I get authorization to fly in controlled airspace in Nevada?

Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), which is run by the FAA, is the only way to get permission to fly in controlled airspace.

LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers.

You can get access through one of the FAA Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. Some providers have apps that can be used to apply for approval in near-real time.

There are two ways to use LAANC:

• Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports (available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers).
• Submit a “further coordination request” if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UASFacility Map, up to 400 feet.
  • You can apply up to 90 days before a flight, and the approval is coordinated manually through the FAA (available to Part 107 pilots only).

LAANC is available at 726 airports. If you want to fly in controlled airspace near airports not offering LAANC, you can use the manual process to apply for authorization.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Nevada

If you have a small drone of less than 55 pounds, you can fly recreationally by following Drone Laws in the USA defined by 49 USC 44809.

In Nevada, recreational UAS operations (i.e., flying for recreational purposes) are approved under law, specifically 49 USC 44809. Please check the specific state jurisdiction for additional permissions, licensing, or clearance requirements.

Following these rules will keep you and your drone safe and help keep the airspace available to everyone.

The law requires that all recreational flyers pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test and provide proof of passage if asked by law enforcement or FAA personnel. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) was developed to meet this requirement. 

TRUST provides education and testing on important safety and regulatory information. If you fly your drone recreationally under the Exception for Recreational Flyers, you must pass the test before you fly. 

Note: If your drone weighs more than .55 pounds (lbs), you must register your drone through the FAA‘s Drone Zone.

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

To fly your drone as a recreational flyer, it’s as easy as 1-2-3

1. Understand recreational flying requirements
   • Note: Non-recreational drone flying includes things like taking photos to help sell a property or service, doing roof inspections, or taking pictures of a high school football game for the school’s website. Goodwill can also be considered non-recreational. This would include volunteering to use your drone to survey coastlines on behalf of a non-profit organization. If you’re unsure which rules apply to your flight, fly under Part 107 (See below).
   • Visit the Recreational Flyers page to learn about the rules for recreational flyers.
   • Download the FAA’s B4UFLY mobile app for more recreational drone flying resources.
2. Take TRUST
   • You may take the free online test through any of the FAA-approved test administrators.
   • All FAA-approved TRUST test administrators offer the test free.
   • All test questions are correctable to 100% prior to issuing your completion certificate.
   • After completing TRUST, you’ll need to download, save or print your completion certificate.
   • If you lose your certificate, you will need to retake TRUST.
   • View a list of TRUST Test Administrators
3. Receive your certificate
   • After you pass the test, you will receive a certificate from the test administrator you selected.
   • Test administrators will not keep a record of your certificate. If law enforcement officers ask, you must present a copy of your certificate.

General Rules for Recreational Flyers

The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809) is the law that describes how, when, and where you can fly drones for recreational purposes. Following these rules helps keep people, your drone, and our airspace safe:

1. Fly only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment).
2. Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO).
   For more information on how to become an FAA-recognized CBO, read Advisory Circular 91-57C.
3. Keep your drone within the visual line of sight, or use a visual observer who is co-located (physically next to) and in direct communication with you.
4. Give way to and do not interfere with other aircraft.
5. Fly at or below FAA-authorized altitudes in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and surface Class E designated for an airport) only with prior FAA authorization by using LAANC or DroneZone.
6. Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
   Note: Flying drones in restricted airspace is not allowed. Drone pilots should always check for airspace restrictions prior to flight on our B4UFLY app or the UAS Facility Maps webpage.
7. Take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage when flying.
8. Have a current FAA registration, mark (PDF) your drones on the outside with the registration number, and carry proof of registration when flying.
   Note: Beginning September 16, 2023, if your drone requires an FAA registration number, it will also be required to broadcast Remote ID information.
9. Do not operate your drone in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.

Recreational drone pilots should know that if they violate these safety requirements and/or operate their drone flight carelessly or recklessly, they could be liable for criminal and/or civil penalties.

You do not need a drone license if your drone use is recreational and falls within the scope of 44809. However, to fly your drone commercially or under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107), you must first obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC), also known as a drone license or a Part 107 certificate. You may want to get your drone license for the flexibility it allows in your drone flights.

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Nevada

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

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

For a complete review of the FAA Part 107 regulation please see our comprehensive FAA 107 Explainer.

Note: The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night, over people and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

If you have a small drone of fewer than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business by following the Part 107 guidelines. To fly under Part 107 rules, there are three main steps.

Step 1: Learn the Rules

Ensure you understand what is and is not allowed under Part 107 rules.

• 14 CFR Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

If you are unsure if Part 107 rules work for you and your intended operation, check our user identification tool.

Some operations will require a waiver. Here are the regulations specified in §107.205 that are subject to waiver:

• Operation from a moving vehicle or aircraft – §107.25
• Operation at Night – §107.29(a)(2) and (b)
• Visual line of sight aircraft operation – §107.31
• Visual observer – §107.33
• Operation of multiple small unmanned aircraft systems – §107.35
• Yielding the right of way – §107.37(a)
• Operation over human beings – §107.39
• Operation in certain airspace – §107.41
• Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft – §107.51
• Operations Over Moving Vehicles – §107.145

Learn more about Part 107 Waivers.

Drone operators should avoid flying near airports because it is difficult for crewed aircraft to see and avoid a drone while flying. Remember that the drone operator must avoid manned aircraft and are responsible for any safety hazard their drone creates in an airport environment.

Step 2: Become an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot by Passing the Knowledge Test

For more details on drone licensing, please see our Drone License Explainer.

To be eligible to get your Remote Pilot Certificate, you must be:

• At least 16 years old
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand English
• Be in a physical and mental condition to safely fly a UAS

Study for the Knowledge Test

• Review Knowledge Test Suggested Study Materials provided by the FAA.

Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN)

• Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile before registering for the knowledge test.

Schedule an Appointment

• Take the Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.

Complete FAA Form 8710-13

• Once you’ve passed your test for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application), log in to the FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application system (IACRA)* to complete FAA form 8710-13.
• Review the entire process to get your Remote Pilot Certificate.

Step 3: Register your Drone with the FAA

For a complete discussion on drone registration, see our Drone Registration Explainer.

Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. You’ll need a credit or debit card and the make and model of your drone handy in order to register. Learn more about registering your drone.

• Create an account and register your drone at FAADroneZone. Select “Fly sUAS under Part 107.”
• Once you’ve registered, mark your drone (PDF) with your registration number in case it gets lost or stolen.

Commercial rules in Parks, Recreation and Cultural reserves

We suggest you contact the local parks agencies and check for specific permissions required.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Nevada

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 Nevada 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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NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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