Can You Fly a Drone Near an Airport?

The short answer

Near airports, you generally need FAA authorization in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D and Class E surface areas). In Class G you usually do not. Distance alone does not decide it.

The old "5 miles from an airport" idea is a simplification. What matters is the type of airspace.

Check the airspace first

Class B, C, D: controlled airspace around airports. Authorization is required.
Class E surface area: controlled airspace down to the ground around some airports. Authorization is required.
Class G: uncontrolled airspace. Authorization is generally not required.

How to get authorization

Use LAANC through an approved app for near-instant approval where available. Read What is LAANC? and try our LAANC Required? tool.

Read it on a chart

On a sectional chart, Class B is a solid blue line, Class C is a solid magenta line, Class D is a dashed blue line, and Class E surface areas are dashed magenta lines. Learn the symbols in the sectional chart decoder.

Other restrictions

Temporary flight restrictions and special-use areas can also apply. Check before every flight.

On the test

Airspace questions are among the most common. See airspace explained.

Frequently asked questions

Can you fly a drone near an airport?

Yes, but in controlled airspace around airports you generally need FAA authorization first.

Is there a 5-mile rule for drones near airports?

Not as a simple blanket rule. Whether you need authorization depends on the airspace class.

How do I get authorization to fly near an airport?

Through LAANC in an approved app, or the FAA's DroneZone for manual requests.

Do I need permission in Class G airspace?

Generally no, though other restrictions can still apply.