Updated Drone Laws in Kentucky In 2025

In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular in Kentucky. Kentuckians have found a wide range of uses for drones, from small-scale hobbyists to large-scale commercial use.

With the potential for even greater applications of drone technology in the future, it’s clear that drones will continue to be a valuable asset for Kentucky communities for many years to come.

Whether you are a professional photographer looking to capture stunning aerial footage or an amateur drone hobbyist, understanding and following local laws is just as important as being knowledgeable about flying them.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss all drone laws in Kentucky and how they regulate the use of drones within its boundaries, including any applicable laws and restrictions that everyone should be aware of before operating a drone in the state.

From no-fly zones to permitted areas, we’ll cover it all. Going through this article will help you know more about Kentucky’s drone regulations.

Also Read: Drone Laws in Finland

General Rules for Flying Drones in Kentucky (2025)

Strict regulations must be followed to operate a drone or fly commercially. Ensure these guidelines are strictly adhered to to ensure safe and efficient practices while using drones for commercial purposes.

• The unmanned aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use
• The unmanned aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization.
• The operator has prior certification in an aeronautical knowledge and safety test administered by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• The unmanned aircraft is operated according to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 107 (which generally pertains to small unmanned aircraft systems weighing less than 55 pounds).
• Operating requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems:
• You must keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times.
• The aircraft may not operate over persons not directly participating in the operation.
• The aircraft may not operate from a moving vehicle unless the operation is conducted from a stationary vehicle.
• If needed, you must use visual observers to maintain a visual line of sight with the aircraft.

State Regulations for Drones in Kentucky

State law for drones in Kentucky also addresses law enforcement uses of drones. State regulations allow law enforcement to use drones for surveillance if they have a warrant or an imminent threat to public safety.

This law strikes a balance between protecting the privacy rights of individuals and allowing law enforcement to use this new technology in a way that keeps the public safe.

Overall, there are several laws in Kentucky that regulate the use of drones. These laws strike a balance between protecting the privacy rights of individuals and allowing law enforcement to use this new technology in a way that keeps the public safe.

Also Read: 10 Best Tips For Real Estate Footage with Drones

Rules for Government Employee

For government employees using drones, there are some additional regulations to observe.

• Drones must be operated in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations.
• Drones may only be operated for official duties, as authorized by the agency head.
• Drones must not be used to conduct surveillance of individuals or their property without consent.
• Drones must not be used to invade someone’s privacy, such as by taking pictures or videos of them without their consent.
• Drones must not be operated within five miles of an airport without prior approval from the airport authority.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. government agency tasked with promoting the safe and efficient movement of drones and other aircraft in the national airspace.

It is also responsible for regulating commercial airline operations, enforcing safety standards, and issuing air traffic control instructions to pilots of both civilian and military aircraft.

With the rise of droning technology, the FAA has furthered its mission by creating requirements specifically tailored to droners and their operations, introducing rules such as generating a registration number for every drone that is operated for any business or recreational purposes.

The FAA also works to educate potential droners on the rules and regulations they must follow, as well as safety measures they must take while operating a drone. The agency is committed to ensuring that the national airspace system is safe for all users – from aircraft to drones.

FAA’s Part 107 Regulation

To operate a drone for commercial purposes in Kentucky, you must adhere to the FAA’s part 107 regulation. This regulation stipulates that you must be at least 16 years old, have a valid pilot’s license, and pass a written test by the FAA. In addition, you must register your drone with the FAA and obtain a $5 million liability insurance policy.

While the state of Kentucky does not have any specific laws pertaining to drones, you must still adhere to the FAA’s part 107 regulation to operate your drone legally. In addition, it is always best to check with local authorities before flying your drone.

FAA’s part 107 exam

The FAA’s part 107 exam is required to fly a drone for commercial purposes. The test covers topics such as airspace classification, weather, and flight restrictions. There is a $150 fee to take the exam, which can be taken online or in person at an authorized testing center.

To operate a drone commercially in Kentucky, you must obtain a permit from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The permit application can be found on the Cabinet’s website. A $5 fee to apply for the permit is valid for one year.

Drone laws in Kentucky are subject to change, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations.

FAA’s Drone Registration

Before you fly, you must register your drone with the FAA’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). You can register your drone online or by mail. The registration is valid for three years.

You will need to provide your name, address, and email address. You will also need to provide your drone’s make, model, and serial number.

You must be at least 13 years old to register a drone. The registration fee is $5. You will need to renew your registration every three years. You can register your drone online or by mail. To register your drone online, you must create an account with the FAA.

To register your drone by mail, you must fill out a paper form and send it to the FAA. The registration is valid for three years. You will need to renew your registration every three years. You can register your drone online or by mail.

FAA’s Remote Pilot License Eligibility

You must be at least 16 years old to fly a drone in the United States for commercial purposes. To get your Remote Pilot License from the FAA, you must pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center.

You will also need to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a drone by passing a practical test administered by an FAA-approved testing center.

To fly a drone commercially in Kentucky, you must have a valid Remote Pilot License from the FAA. You will also need to register your drone with the FAA.

There are a few exceptions to the general rule that you need a Remote Pilot License to fly a drone commercially. If you are flying a drone for hobby or recreational purposes, you do not need a license. However, you must still register your drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds.

There are also a few exceptions for flying drones without a Remote Pilot License if you are flying under what is called the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

To qualify for this exception, you must fly your drone strictly for hobby or recreational purposes and comply with all the provisions.

Also Read: FAA TRUST Drone Exam: Why You Need This?

UAS Commission

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Commission, also known as the UAS Commission. The commission is charged with developing recommendations on establishing and regulating a safe and responsible environment for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, within the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Anyone operating a drone for commercial purposes in Kentucky must obtain a permit from the UAS Commission. Permits are valid for one year and cost $100.

Operators must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including those pertaining to privacy, property rights, and national security.

Penalties for Breaking Drone Rules and Regulations in Kentucky

Breaking the law when operating a drone can result in serious penalties. Depending on the context and severity of the offense, you could be fined, imprisoned, or both.

Ignoring drone laws can lead to serious consequences, including financial fines, incarceration, and civil liability for any damages incurred due to your device. Therefore, it is important to know all applicable regulations before flying with a drone.

In general, the penalties for breaking drone laws are designed to be severe enough to deter people from breaking the law but not so severe as to be disproportionate to the offense.

No Drone Zones in Kentucky

Without prior approval, you can not fly your drone within 5 miles of an airport. This also includes helipads. You must keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times, meaning that you can see it with your own eyes (or through first-person view on a pair of goggles) instead of relying on the drone’s camera.

You are not allowed to fly your drone over any crowds of people. This is for obvious safety reasons. You can also not fly your drone near emergency response efforts, such as fires or hurricanes. If you break these rules, you could face serious penalties, including jail time and hefty fines.

Also Read: Updated Drone Laws In Turkey

FAQs

Conclusion

To fly your drone safely and legally in the United States, you must adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration. Failure to do so could result in serious penalties. When in doubt, consult the FAA’s website or a professional before flying your drone.

As you can see, the drone laws in Kentucky are strict and regulate both recreational and commercial use. It is important to research local laws before operating a drone within the state. Be sure to adhere to all applicable rules, guidelines, and regulations to ensure the safe operation of your drone at all times.

Flying drones over people or property without their consent could result in fines or other penalties, so make sure you know what’s allowed when flying in the airways of Kentucky.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of aerial photography without any problems. We hope this article was helpful to you. Feel free to comment and share.