ALASKA DRONE LAWS & REGULATIONS
State Drone Laws in Alaska
Alaska drone laws apply to the entire state of Alaska and were created by the Alaska State Legislature.
According to the Alaska Department of Transportation and the Alaska State Legislature, Alaska’s has one state-wide law concerning the use of drones in the state.
This law places limits on how law enforcement can use drones in their operations. And includes how and whether they can save images and video captured by a drone.
Alaska does not currently have any specific laws in place for commercial or hobbyist drone pilots. In 2015, a task force organized by the 29th state legislature of Alaska issued a Drone / UAS Operator Safety Guidelines and FAQs about Privacy. The document borrows from existing FAA and Know Before You Fly resources on safety and law enforcement, and contains basic guidelines for avoiding privacy concerns when operating a drone (i.e., don’t peep, and don’t spy).
Local Drone Laws in Alaska
These are drone laws that apply only to certain regions, cities, or counties within the state of Alaska. Local Alaska drone laws were created by various authorities within the state.
State Code 33.398 – Salmon Fishing
Drones are not be used for any activity related to commercial salmon fishing operations in Alaska.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has established a restriction on drones in Chugach State Park. This law prohibits aircraft in Chugach State Park, except for authorized aircraft flying into/out of Bold Airport.
Federal Drone Laws in Alaska
Drone laws that apply to every state in the U.S., including Alaska were created by the federal government.
To fly a drone as a commercial pilot in the state of Alaska (i.e. for work/business purposes) you are required to follow the requirements of the FAA’s Part 107 Small UAS Rule (Part 107), which includes passing the FAA’s Aeronautical Knowledge Test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate.
To fly a drone as a hobbyist in the state of Alaska (i.e. for fun/pleasure) you are required to register your drone with the FAA and follow the FAA’s Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
To fly a drone as a government employee in the state of Alaska (i.e., for a police or fire department) you may either operate under the FAA’s Part 107 rule or obtain a federal Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to take the place of legal counsel.