Comprehensive List of State Certification Requirements—-in addition to 107 of course?

SWA Pilot · Jan 10, 2021

I’ve looked around the internet a bit. Is there a current comprehensive list of state licenses/certifications/permits for commercial UAS listed anywhere? Not looking for special waivers..just basic commercial operations. I know North Carolina has a permit requirement. Others? Primarily looking in/around North Carolina and Texas. Thanks.

TreeLineView · Jan 10, 2021

SWA Pilot said:
I’ve looked around the internet a bit. Is there a current comprehensive list of state licenses/certifications/permits for commercial UAS listed anywhere? Not looking for special waivers..just basic commercial operations. I know North Carolina has a permit requirement. Others? Primarily looking in/around North Carolina and Texas. Thanks.

This site is a great collection of regs and laws. US Drone Laws (2019) - Drone Laws by State.

Aerial Edge · Jan 11, 2021

I believe that North Carolina is the only state requiring a permit at this time. Because we fly around the country we were required to get NC, My main job we fly in North Carolina a bunch. We also do emergency response and contract support all over the US. In the meeting last week they mentioned that currently NC is the only state requiring licensing, but they are expecting more in the near future. I would suggest vigilant research just to be safe though.

SWA Pilot · Jan 11, 2021

Aerial Edge said:
I believe that North Carolina is the only state requiring a permit at this time. Because we fly around the country we were required to get NC, My main job we fly in North Carolina a bunch. We also do emergency response and contract support all over the US. In the meeting last week they mentioned that currently NC is the only state requiring licensing, but they are expecting more in the near future. I would suggest vigilant research just to be safe though.

Kind of what I was thinking....I venture over stare lines also. The sites that proclaim “Comprehensive UAS laws” are only as good as when they were last updated. ... And 2 years it a long time UAS time.

R Martin · Jan 11, 2021

SWA Pilot said:
I’ve looked around the internet a bit. Is there a current comprehensive list of state licenses/certifications/permits for commercial UAS listed anywhere? Not looking for special waivers..just basic commercial operations. I know North Carolina has a permit requirement. Others? Primarily looking in/around North Carolina and Texas. Thanks.

GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 423. USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

statutes.capitol.texas.gov

I am unaware of any permit requirements for Texas. The above statute you really need to know though.

Ilan Yusim · Jan 16, 2021

Minnesota DOT requires commercial drone pilots to submit their COI.

CactusJackSlade · Jan 27, 2021

R Martin said:
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 423. USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

statutes.capitol.texas.gov

I am unaware of any permit requirements for Texas. The above statute you really need to know though.

That is a very interesting (disturbing) law.... so if I go rent a full scale airplane, grab my Nikon camera (with much better zoom lens) and go do the same thing, all is OK?

R Martin · Jan 28, 2021

CactusJackSlade said:
That is a very interesting (disturbing) law.... so if I go rent a full scale airplane, grab my Nikon camera (with much better zoom lens) and go do the same thing, all is OK?

Why would you want to? Would you be so flippant if someone was taking pictures of you in your backyard? Or your wife? Or maybe your kids? Grow up.