Overview
Arkansas Code § 5-71+ address stalking, harassment, and privacy. Ozark National Forest has federal restrictions. State parks and wildlife areas protected.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Arkansas. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Arkansas Code § 5-37-101: Trespass via unauthorized drone flight
- Arkansas Code § 5-71-229: Stalking via drone surveillance
- Arkansas Code § 5-71-208: Harassment via drone — repeated contact/surveillance
- Arkansas Code § 5-71-220: Voyeurism — recording/photographing without consent
- Arkansas Code § 5-71-205: Menacing via threatening drone operations
- Little Rock Air Force Base: Restricted military airspace
- Ozark National Forest: Special Use Permit for commercial operations
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: No drones in game management areas
- Arkansas State Parks: No drone operations without Special Use authorization
- Little Rock Regional: Class B coordination required
- Arkansas Department of Education: School airspace — no drones over schools
- Arkansas Department of Health: Hospital/emergency facility airspace protected
- Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality: Wetland/aquatic area protection
- Arkansas Public Service Commission: Utility infrastructure protection
- Arkansas Code § 5-71-240: Dangerous equipment — reckless endangerment via drone
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Arkansas
Recreational drone pilots in Arkansas 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 Arkansas
Commercial drone operations in Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/ozark
- https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/
- https://www.arkansaspsc.com/
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/
- https://www.arkleg.gov/
- https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/
- https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/
- https://www.arkansased.gov/
- https://www.agfc.com/