Al New Drone Laws in Alaska (2024 Updated)

Alaska is a large and sparsely populated state, making it an ideal place to fly drones. The state’s wide open spaces offer ample opportunities for drone enthusiasts to explore, while the few people living in Alaska provide little risk of injuring anyone with a drone.

However, some laws and regulations still apply to flying drones in Alaska. In this blog post, we will discuss the drone laws in Alaska that govern drones and what you need to know if you consider flying a drone in this state.

State Drone Laws in Alaska

In addition to the FAA regulations, state laws apply to flying drones in Alaska. These laws are set by the Alaska Legislature and enforced by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

State laws generally mirror the FAA regulations, but there are some important differences to be aware of.

• All drone pilots must have a license from the FAA to fly drones commercially in the United States.
• All drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered with the FAA.
• Drones may not be flown in state parks or forests unless specifically authorized by the Department of Natural Resources commissioner.
• It is illegal to hunt with a drone or use a drone to harass wildlife.
• Drones may not be flown over crowds of people or near airports without prior approval from the airport manager.
• Drones may not be flown in a way that interferes with first responders or other emergency personnel.
• Drones may not be used to take pictures or videos of people without their consent.

Recreational Drone Laws in Alaska

You do not need a permit from the FAA to fly a drone recreationally in Alaska. However, you must follow the same basic rules as commercial drone pilots, such as staying below 400 feet (120 meters), keeping your drone within sight, and not flying near airports or people.

If you want to fly your drone in a state park or forest, you must get permission from the Department of Natural Resources commissioner.

• Drones may not be flown over crowds of people or near airports without prior approval from the airport manager.
• Drones may not be flown in a way that interferes with first responders or other emergency personnel.

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Advisory Circular 91-57B: UAS Operations in the National Airspace System (NAS)

This Advisory Circular (AC) provides information and guidance for obtaining authorization to conduct operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS).

It is not mandatory or regulatory and does not create any new FAA regulations. This AC describes one process by which an applicant may obtain operational approval from the FAA.

The process involves completing an application, submitting it to the FAA, and working with the FAA on a case-by-case basis to develop an operational approval that will allow the applicant to conduct its specific UAS operation in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.

Operators must comply with all applicable statutes and regulations, including those pertaining to aircraft registration and marking, air traffic control clearance and separation, visual line-of-sight operation, anti-collision lighting, altitude limitations, operator certification, and preflight inspection. Additional information on these topics can be found in other FAA publications.

To apply for operational approval to conduct UAS operations in the NAS, an applicant must submit a completed application to the FAA at least 90 days prior to the proposed operation. The application must include the following:

• A description of the proposed UAS operation.
• The location(s) where the operation will take place.
• The dates and times when the operation will take place.
• The type(s), make(s), and model(s) of UAS to be used.
• The name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
• A description of the qualifications of the proposed UAS operator(s), including any pilot certificates or other documentation certifying their suitability to operate the UAS.

The FAA will review the application and may approve, disapprove, or modify the proposed operation. The FAA will take into consideration the safety of people and property on the ground and in the air when making its decision. If approved, the FAA will issue an operational approval that will specify any conditions or limitations on the operation. The approval may be valid for up to two years.

Operators must notify the FAA at least 10 days prior to any changes to the information contained in their application. Changes that could affect safety may require the operator to submit a new application for approval.

The FAA may revoke an operational approval at any time if it determines that the operation is no longer in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations or poses a safety hazard.

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What is FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)?

The FAA is the Federal Aviation Administration. In the United States, the FAA is responsible for regulating all aircraft, including drones. All drone pilots must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the FAA.

In Alaska, the FAA has designated several areas as No Drone Zones. These areas include near airports, national parks, and other areas where drones could pose a safety hazard. Flying a drone in a No Drone Zone can result in a fine.

FAA’s part 107

This rule is the main set of regulations that apply to flying drones commercially in the United States. To fly a drone commercially in Alaska, you must have an FAA part 107 certification. You can obtain a part 107 certification by passing a written exam administered by the FAA.

In addition to the part 107 rule, other FAA regulations apply to flying drones commercially in the United States. For example, you must not fly your drone over people, and you must always keep your drone within your visual line of sight.

The best way to avoid getting in trouble for flying your drone illegally is to educate yourself on the laws and regulations that apply to drones in Alaska.

FAA’s License for Drone Pilots

All drone pilots must have a license from the FAA to fly drones commercially in the United States. You can obtain a license by passing the Part 107 Exam or by completing an accredited training program. Once you have a license, you must renew it every two years.

Examen Parte 107 de la FAA

To fly a drone commercially in Alaska, you must have an FAA part 107 certification. You can obtain a part 107 certification by passing a written exam administered by the FAA.

The Part 107 Exam is a multiple-choice test covering airspace classification, weather, and emergency procedures. You can find study guides and practice tests to help you prepare for the Part 107 Exam on the FAA website and the Drone Pilot Ground School website.

How to register your drone with FAA?

You can register your drone online or by mail. You will need to provide your name, address, email address, and a credit or debit card for the registration fee.

After you register your drone, you will receive a Certificate of Registration and an FAA Registration Number, which must be displayed on your drone at all times.

To register your drone online, visit the FAA’s website. Click on the “Register Your Drone” button and follow the instructions. To register by mail, download and complete the FAA’s registration form. Mail the completed form and the registration fee to the address listed on the form.

Once you have registered your drone, you will receive a Certificate of Registration and an FAA Registration Number. This number must be displayed on your drone at all times.

UAS commission

The Unmanned Aircraft Systems Commission is tasked with developing regulations for the uso de drones in Alaska. The commission is made up of representatives from state agencies, businesses, and organizations, as well as members of the public.

The commission meets regularly to discuss issues related to drones, such as safety, privacy, and economic development. They also work with the FAA to ensure that Alaska’s drone laws are compatible with federal regulations.

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What are the penalties for breaking Drone laws in Alaska?

The penalties for flying a drone illegally in Alaska depend on the severity of the offense.

Flying a drone over people can result in a hefty fine, while flying a drone in a No Drone Zone can result in fine and criminal charges.

More serious offenses, such as crashing a drone into a building or injuring someone with a drone, can result in jail time.

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Conclusión

So these are some important things to keep in mind while flying a drone in Alaska. You have to take care of certain things like staying below 400 feet, keeping your drone within sight, not flying near airports or people, and getting permission from the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources before flying in a state park or forest.

There’s also an Advisory Circular 91-57B, which provides information and guidance for obtaining authorization to conduct operations of UAS in the NAS. Drones may be flown for recreational or commercial purposes in Alaska, but operators must follow all the set of rules and regulations.

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