Overview
Ohio allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. Ohio Revised Code addresses privacy and trespass. Columbus and Cleveland airspace requires clearance. State parks have restricted airspace.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Ohio. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max, VLOS requirement
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.33: Voyeurism via drone — recording/photographing person in private area without consent is crime
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.21: Aggravated menacing — threatening drone operations creating fear of harm are criminal
- Ohio Revised Code § 2923.42: Harassment by drone — repeated drone actions intended to harass are criminal
- Columbus airspace: Class B airspace (CMH) requires LAANC authorization
- Cleveland airspace: Class B airspace (CLE) requires LAANC authorization
- Private property: Ohio common law trespass — unauthorized drone flight over private land is violation
- Ohio Revised Code § 2905.39: Stalking by drone — surveillance with intent to cause mental distress is criminal offense
- Ohio Revised Code § 2909.03: Inciting violence via drone — operations intended to cause panic/violence are criminal
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: State parks airspace — no drone flight in state parks/nature reserves without authorization
- Ohio Division of Wildlife: Wildlife management areas — no drone operations in protected wildlife areas or game lands
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Protected wetlands — no drone flight over wetland areas without approval
- Wayne National Forest (Southeastern Ohio): Special Use Permit required for commercial drone operations on federal forest land
- Ohio Department of Education: School airspace — no drone flight over school property/grounds without superintendent approval
- Ohio Health Facilities Commission: Hospital airspace — no drone flight over hospitals, emergency departments, or medical facilities
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency: Environmental assessment required for commercial operations in sensitive environmental areas
- Ohio Public Utilities Commission: No drone interference with utility infrastructure, power lines, or communication towers
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Ohio
Recreational drone pilots in Ohio 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 Ohio
Commercial drone operations in Ohio 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 Ohio 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.