Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The Kentucky Department of Aviation serves as the clearinghouse for UAS information for the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Our department is working with government, industry and academia to encourage the safe and responsible use of this technology.

For any drone related questions please contact us by email: KYTC.UAS@ky.gov or call our UAS Engineer at (502)564-3385

Rules, Regulations and Guidelines

Federal Aviation Administration rules require that all hobby and commercial drones weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs must be registered with the FAA. When you register your drone, you will receive a registration number that you must put on the drone. You can engrave the number, put it on a permanent label, or use a permanent marker. Remember to carry your registration with you when operating your drone.

Do you plan to make ANY money with your drone?
Commercial operators must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate and operate under Part 107 Regulations.

Where can I find official rules and regulations?
The official FAA resource for all UAS information can be found here.

What is needed to fly a drone recreationally?

The drone operator must have passed the recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), this exam is free and details can be found here.

How can I start the process to obtain my Remote Pilot Certificate?

The first step is to obtain a Federal Tracking Number. This can be done here. The next step is to find a testing center close to your location. Testing centers can be found here. The exam type will be Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG).

What areas can drones not fly in?

Anyone flying a drone is responsible for flying within FAA guidelines and regulations. That means it is up to you as a drone pilot to know the Rules of the Sky, and where it is and is not safe to fly.

Learn about airspace restrictions, especially around airports, so your drone does not endanger people or other aircraft. Airspace Restrictions.

The FAA’s B4UFLY service shows where recreational flyers can and cannot fly. B4UFLY

A FRIA is a defined geographic area where drones can be flown without Remote ID equipment.FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs)

FAA provides a free digital toolkit with outreach materials to federal, state, and other partners to educate drone operators that flying in certain areas is prohibited. No Drone Zone

Limited operations are allowed through a Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). The process for obtaining a LAANC can be found here. A map is also available for areas in which LAANC is required to fly.

What is remote ID?

What is it? Remote ID is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal. Watch the video.

Why do we need it? Remote ID lays the foundation of the safety and security groundwork needed for more complex drone operations. Remote ID also helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.

Which Drones Must Comply With Remote ID?
Drones which are required to be registered or are registered, including those flown for recreation, business, or public safety, must comply with the rule on Remote ID.

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