Overview
Jackson is located in Wyoming. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.
State Regulations & Statutes
Wyoming drone law is governed by the Wyoming UAS Act (W.S. §§ 10-4-301 through 10-4-310), which establishes statewide rules and preempts local regulation of drone flight. W.S. § 10-4-302 defines UAS operations broadly. W.S. § 10-4-306 restricts surveillance of critical infrastructure. Wyoming relies largely on FAA regulations for operational rules. Jackson, Wyoming sits in one of the most spectacular and strictly regulated drone environments in the United States. Grand Teton National Park — which virtually surrounds the town — has a complete drone ban under NPS 36 CFR § 1.5. Yellowstone National Park (~50 miles north) also has a complete drone ban. Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) is located entirely within Grand Teton National Park — making it the only commercial airport inside a US national park — creating complex overlapping airspace and regulatory concerns. The National Elk Refuge (managed by US Fish and Wildlife Service) prohibits drone operations that could disturb wildlife. Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes
- W.S. § 10-4-301 through 10-4-310 — Wyoming UAS Act: statewide drone framework; preempts local regulation
- Grand Teton National Park — NPS 36 CFR § 1.5: COMPLETE DRONE BAN; no launching, landing, or operating UAS anywhere in GTNP without NPS Special Use Permit; rarely granted recreationally
- Yellowstone National Park — NPS 36 CFR § 1.5: COMPLETE DRONE BAN; no drone operations without NPS Special Use Permit
- Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) — Located within Grand Teton NP: Class D airspace inside NP boundary; extreme complexity — avoid all drone operations near KJAC
- National Elk Refuge — USFWS: drone operations prohibited to protect elk, trumpeter swans, and other wildlife
- Bridger-Teton National Forest — USFS: commercial use permit required; check district rules for recreational
- 14 CFR § 91.129 — LAANC authorization required for KJAC Class D airspace (inside Grand Teton NP)
Permits & Registration
Commercial operators require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Grand Teton NP Special Use Permit for filming: contact NPS Grand Teton at (307) 739-3300 — permits are very rarely granted, require environmental review, and are typically only for major professional productions. Yellowstone NP Special Use Permit: contact (307) 344-2107. National Elk Refuge: contact USFWS Jackson Field Office at (307) 733-9212. Bridger-Teton National Forest commercial permit: contact Jackson Ranger District at (307) 739-5400. Town of Jackson commercial filming permit for City property: contact (307) 733-3932. LAANC for KJAC available via FAA DroneZone — but note this is inside GTNP and NPS rules layer on top of FAA authorization.
Official Statute Links
Local Ordinances
The Town of Jackson itself is a small municipality largely surrounded by Grand Teton National Park. The Town does not have a standalone drone ordinance — Wyoming state preemption (W.S. § 10-4-305) limits municipal regulation to City-owned property. However, the de facto restriction on drone flying in the Jackson area is extreme: virtually all scenic areas that attract visitors are within Grand Teton NP, on National Elk Refuge land, or within Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Jackson Town Square and nearby streets are among the very few areas not covered by federal land restrictions, but they are extremely close to KJAC Class D airspace. Teton Village (at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort) is privately operated — resort authorization required.
Local Restrictions & Rules
- Grand Teton National Park — NPS: complete drone ban covering virtually all mountain and valley scenery around Jackson
- Yellowstone National Park — NPS: complete drone ban (~50 mi north)
- National Elk Refuge — USFWS: drones prohibited; major elk and waterfowl wintering ground
- Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) — Class D inside GTNP: extreme complexity; LAANC and NPS authorization both required
- Bridger-Teton National Forest — USFS commercial permit required; covers mountains east and south of valley
- Teton Village / Jackson Hole Mountain Resort — private property: resort authorization required
- Scenic overlooks on US 26/191 corridor — within GTNP: NPS ban applies
Local Contacts
- Parks & Planning: Town of Jackson Parks and Recreation — (307) 733-9025, jacksonwy.gov
Nearby Airports & Airspace
Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.
Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) — 10 miles away
Tower Frequency: 118.075
Requirements: Check B4UFLY for airspace class. Request LAANC authorization if needed. Contact airport operations.
Local Flying Guide
Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.
Potential Safe Flying Locations
- Town of Jackson streets/sidewalks — very limited; not within GTNP; outside KJAC Class D surface; commercial filming permit from Town required; extreme difficulty finding compliant locations near scenic views
- Star Valley area (south on US-89, ~40 mi south of Jackson) — outside GTNP, USFS permit may be required; open valley agricultural land
- Hoback area along US-189 (~15 mi south) — partially Bridger-Teton NF; USFS commercial permit if commercial; verify B4UFLY for private land
Areas to Avoid
- Grand Teton National Park — NPS: complete drone ban; covers Teton Range, Jackson Lake, Snake River Overlook, Oxbow Bend, all iconic locations
- Yellowstone National Park — NPS: complete drone ban
- National Elk Refuge — USFWS: drones prohibited
- Jackson Hole Airport (KJAC) Class D — inside GTNP: both FAA and NPS authorization required
- Bridger-Teton National Forest — USFS: commercial permit required for commercial work
- Any Grand Teton NP entrance station areas — NPS jurisdiction begins at entrance
Weather Considerations
Jackson Hole sits at 6,237 ft elevation surrounded by peaks rising to 13,775 ft. The extreme altitude dramatically reduces drone lift and battery performance — plan for 20–30% shorter flight times than at sea level, particularly in winter when cold temperatures compound battery issues. Winter temperatures can drop to -30°F, making drone operations extremely challenging. Spring (April–May) brings unpredictable mountain weather with rapid storm development. Summer afternoons see thunderstorm development over the Teton peaks. Fall (September–October) is generally the most stable period. Powerful mountain rotor turbulence can occur on the lee (east) side of the Tetons. Check NWS Riverton (weather.gov/riw) for Jackson-area mountain forecasts.
Seasonal Tips
BEST: September–early October — stable mountain weather, fall colors, wildlife activity, fewer crowds. June and July offer long daylight hours. AVOID: January–March for extreme cold and deep snow that makes ground operations difficult. AVOID: afternoon thunderstorm window in summer (2–7 PM). Note: The primary challenge in Jackson is finding any legal drone flying area — the regulatory landscape is exceptionally restrictive. Consult a qualified aviation attorney before any commercial production in the area.
Compliance Checklist
- ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
- ✓ Wyoming state regulations
- ✓ Jackson local ordinances
- ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
- ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
- ✓ Property owner permission
- ✓ Weather safety