Little Rock, Arkansas Drone Laws

Overview

Little Rock is located in Arkansas. Drone operations are governed by federal FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107) and may be subject to state and local ordinances.

State Regulations & Statutes

Arkansas has enacted specific drone legislation addressing both privacy and local preemption. Ark. Code Ann. § 14-1-602 preempts local governments from enacting ordinances that regulate the time, place, or manner of UAS operations, reserving that authority to the state and federal government. Ark. Code Ann. § 5-60-103 establishes criminal penalties for using a drone to conduct surveillance of a person or property without consent. Arkansas state parks and the Arkansas State Capitol grounds have additional restrictions. Little Rock Air Force Base creates significant restricted airspace northeast of the city.

Applicable Statutes & Penal Codes

• Ark. Code Ann. § 14-1-602: State preemption of local UAS ordinances — cities and counties cannot impose additional time/place/manner restrictions
• Ark. Code Ann. § 5-60-103: Criminal surveillance by drone — using UAS to surveil persons or property without consent is a Class D felony
• KLIT (Clinton National Airport) Class C airspace requires LAANC authorization for all UAS within 5 nm
• Little Rock AFB (KLRF) creates restricted airspace northeast of the city — no unauthorized UAS operations
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required for all commercial drone operations
• FAA drone registration required for all UAS over 0.55 lbs
• Arkansas State Capitol grounds: State security policy restricts drone operations near the Capitol complex
• Arkansas state parks require advance permission from Arkansas State Parks for drone operations

Permits & Registration

Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. LAANC authorization required for KLIT Class C airspace (5 nm radius surface) and KLRF vicinity — use FAA DroneZone or Aloft app. Arkansas State Parks require written approval from individual park superintendent for drone operations. State Capitol area requires coordination with Arkansas State Police. City of Little Rock parks require written permit from Little Rock Parks and Recreation.

Official Statute Links

• https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-14/subtitle-1/chapter-1/subchapter-6/section-14-1-602/
• https://law.justia.com/codes/arkansas/title-5/subtitle-6/chapter-60/section-5-60-103/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/part_107/
• https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/

Local Ordinances

Despite Arkansas's state preemption law, Little Rock has administrative policies for city-owned property including parks, the riverfront, and the State Capitol complex. The Clinton National Airport Class C airspace overlaps with much of the city. Little Rock Air Force Base, located about 18 miles northeast in Jacksonville, creates additional restricted airspace. The Arkansas River waterfront and Clinton Presidential Center area are high-visibility areas with active security protocols.

Local Restrictions & Rules

• Little Rock city parks: Written permit required from Little Rock Parks and Recreation before flying
• KLIT Class C airspace: LAANC or ATC authorization required for operations within 5 nm
• KLRF (Little Rock AFB) restricted airspace: No unauthorized civilian UAS operations within restricted area
• Arkansas State Capitol grounds: Coordinate with Arkansas State Police Capitol Security before any operations
• Clinton Presidential Center and Presidential Park: Federal property — contact Secret Service/National Park Service for any aerial operations
• Arkansas River waterfront and Riverfront Park: Contact Little Rock Parks for permit; active public area
• Burns Park (North Little Rock): North Little Rock Parks requires written authorization for drone operations
• MacArthur Park historic district: City-managed park — permit required; proximity to downtown KLIT airspace

Local Contacts

• Parks & Planning: Little Rock Parks and Recreation, (501) 371-4770, littlerock.gov/parks

Nearby Airports & Airspace

Airspace restrictions apply near airports. Always check B4UFLY and LAANC before flying.

Local Flying Guide

Always verify conditions with local authorities and property owners before flight.

Potential Safe Flying Locations

• Rural Pulaski County farmland west of I-430 outside Class C airspace — verify with FAA sectional and LAANC
• Saline County rural areas south of Little Rock — outside Class C, low air traffic
• Private farmland in Lonoke County east of Little Rock — flat terrain, excellent visibility
• Pinnacle Mountain State Park — requires Arkansas State Parks written permit; call ahead
• Maumelle Park (Army Corps of Engineers) — contact Army Corps for permit before flying
• Rural agricultural land in Perry County northwest — open terrain outside controlled airspace

Areas to Avoid

• KLIT Class C airspace — covers most of Little Rock from surface to 4,100 ft MSL; LAANC required
• KLRF (Little Rock AFB) restricted airspace — no unauthorized UAS; active C-130 operations
• Arkansas State Capitol complex — state security restrictions; coordinate with State Police
• Clinton Presidential Center — federal property with security protocols
• All Little Rock city parks — written permit required before any flight
• Arkansas River corridor (downtown) — active barge traffic, bridges, proximity to KLIT approach paths
• Alltel Arena / Simmons Bank Arena area — large venue with crowds and events TFRs possible
• I-630 / I-30 interchange corridor — dense urban airspace near KLIT approaches

Weather Considerations

Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate with significant seasonal weather variation. Spring is prime tornado season — severe storms with large hail and tornadoes are common March through May. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are generally mild but Arkansas is in the southern ice storm belt — freezing rain events can occur December through February. The Arkansas River valley can generate ground fog reducing visibility. Check NWS Little Rock (weather.gov/lzk) for current conditions.

Seasonal Tips

BEST: September–October (post-storm season, mild temperatures, good visibility) and late February–early March before severe storm season peaks. AVOID: April–May when tornado risk is highest and afternoon convective storms are frequent; July–August when heat indices exceed 100°F. Winter ice storms are the major cold-season hazard. Fall foliage along the Arkansas River valley makes October one of the best months for aerial photography with proper permits.

Compliance Checklist

• ✓ Federal FAA Part 107 or recreational exemption
• ✓ Arkansas state regulations
• ✓ Little Rock local ordinances
• ✓ B4UFLY airspace check
• ✓ LAANC authorization if in controlled airspace
• ✓ Property owner permission
• ✓ Weather safety