Overview
Alabama Code § 13A allows recreational/commercial drone operations. State trespass, stalking, and harassment laws apply strictly. State parks and wildlife areas are protected.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Alabama. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- Alabama Code § 13A-7-21: Trespass via unauthorized drone flight over private property
- Alabama Code § 13A-6-24: Stalking — drone surveillance with intent to harass/threaten
- Alabama Code § 13A-5-20: Assault — reckless drone operations causing injury
- Alabama Code § 13A-12-2: Disorderly conduct via drone operations
- Alabama Code § 13A-8-9: Harassment — repeated drone surveillance intended to vex
- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: State parks — no drones without permit
- Alabama Wildlife Management Areas: No drone operations without approval
- Talladega National Forest: Special Use Permit required for commercial operations
- Birmingham Shuttlesworth International: Class B airspace requires LAANC
- Alabama Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over school property
- Alabama Code § 13A-8-4: Eavesdropping via drone without consent is criminal
- Alabama Public Service Commission: No interference with utility infrastructure
- Alabama Department of Public Health: Hospital/medical facility airspace protected
- Alabama waterway restrictions: No drone operations over protected water features
- Alabama Code § 13A-6-2: Criminal harassment via drone is felony offense
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Alabama
Recreational drone pilots in Alabama must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Alabama
Commercial drone operations in Alabama require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Alabama must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.