Alaska Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alaska maintains one of the more permissive drone regulatory environments in the United States, with minimal state-level restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. The state's primary drone-specific legislation (HB 255, enacted 2014) focuses on limiting law enforcement use of drones, including restrictions on image and video retention. State-level fishing regulations prohibit UAV use in commercial salmon fishing operations in the Southeastern Area, and Chugach State Park restricts aircraft operations. Overall, commercial and recreational drone operators in Alaska primarily operate under FAA Part 107 and recreational rules, with no state registration or permitting requirements.
State Drone Laws
HB 255 / AS 18.65.900–18.65.902Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Limits how law enforcement agencies can use drones in Alaska. Requires a search warrant or recognized warrant exception before law enforcement may use a drone to gather evidence or other information. Restricts retention and use of images and video captured by drones. Prohibits use of drones equipped with weapons by law enforcement.
5 AAC 33.398Prohibition on UAV Use in Commercial Salmon Fishing – Southeastern Area
Prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft systems in commercial salmon fishing operations during open commercial salmon fishing periods in the Southeastern Area of Alaska. Intended to prevent UAVs from being used to locate or monitor salmon for competitive commercial fishing advantage.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Alaska (Southeastern Area)
state_agency5 AAC 33.398 – UAV Prohibition in Commercial Salmon Fishing
Prohibits use of unmanned aircraft systems in commercial salmon fishing operations during open commercial salmon fishing periods in the Southeastern Area. Administered by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Restrictions
UAVs may not be used to locate salmon for commercial fishing or for any activity related to commercial salmon fishing operations during open commercial fishing periods in the Southeastern Area.
Alaska (Chugach State Park)
state_agency11 AAC 20.020 – Aircraft Restrictions in Chugach State Park
Established by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, restricts aircraft operations, including drones, in Chugach State Park. Administered by Alaska State Parks.
Restrictions
Aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, are generally prohibited in Chugach State Park except for authorized aircraft flying into or out of Bold Airport. Drone launches and landings within park boundaries are restricted under this provision.
Anchorage, AK
municipalityMunicipality of Anchorage – Parks and Recreation Drone Use Policy
The Municipality of Anchorage has general park use regulations that may apply to drone operations within municipal parks and green spaces. Operators should verify current rules with the Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department before flying.
Restrictions
Drone operations in municipal parks may require a permit. Contact Anchorage Parks and Recreation for current permit requirements.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusionary remedy for improperly obtained drone evidence. | |||||
| Penalty amounts depend on the nature and severity of the commercial fishing violation. |
Exclusionary remedy for improperly obtained drone evidence.
Penalty amounts depend on the nature and severity of the commercial fishing violation.
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Alaska does not require state-level drone registration. Recreational drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA ($5 fee). Commercial operators must comply with FAA Part 107 requirements, including FAA registration of aircraft. No Alaska-specific registration or permit system exists.
No state permit is required for recreational or commercial drone operations in Alaska. Commercial operations require FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification. Law enforcement use is restricted by HB 255 (AS 18.65.900–18.65.902). Operations within specific state parks or wildlife refuges may require coordination with managing agencies.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone pilots in Alaska must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under the Part 107 Small UAS Rule.
All commercial drone operations in Alaska are subject to FAA Part 107 requirements, including passing the Aeronautical Knowledge Test and maintaining currency. Operators must comply with airspace restrictions, altitude limits (generally 400 ft AGL), visual line-of-sight requirements, and daylight/twilight operating rules unless waivers are obtained.
Recreational UAS Operations
Recreational drone pilots must comply with FAA recreational model aircraft rules, including TRUST certification and registration.
Recreational operators in Alaska must complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and follow FAA recreational flying rules under 49 U.S.C. § 44809. Drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA for a $5 fee. Operators must fly within FAA-recognized community-based safety guidelines.
Government and Law Enforcement Operations
Government employees and law enforcement agencies may operate drones under FAA Part 107 or obtain a Certificate of Authorization (COA).
Law enforcement use in Alaska is restricted by HB 255 (AS 18.65.900–18.65.902), which requires a warrant or recognized exception before drones can be used to gather evidence, and limits image retention. Federal COA procedures apply for government operations. The interaction between state warrant requirements and federal operational certificates is an area of ongoing significance.
Remote ID Compliance
All UAS operators must comply with FAA Remote ID requirements effective September 16, 2023.
Operators must ensure their drones broadcast Remote ID signals as required by 14 CFR Part 89. Drones manufactured after the compliance date must have built-in Remote ID or use a Remote ID broadcast module. Non-compliance can result in suspension or revocation of FAA certificates and civil penalties.
National Park and Wildlife Refuge Airspace
Drone operations over NPS units and USFWS National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska are subject to federal agency-specific rules.
The National Park Service prohibits drone launches, landings, and operations within National Park units in Alaska (e.g., Denali, Glacier Bay, Kenai Fjords) absent a special use permit, under NPS Management Policies. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also restricts drone use in National Wildlife Refuges. These federal rules interact significantly with Alaska's otherwise permissive state posture.
Wildfire TFR Interactions
Alaska experiences significant wildfire activity, leading to frequent FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions that affect drone operations.
During active wildfire suppression operations, the FAA routinely issues TFRs under 14 CFR 91.137 that prohibit drone flight in affected areas. Alaska's vast geography and active fire seasons make this a particularly important federal-state interaction for drone operators.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available in parts of Alaska, primarily around major urban airports such as Anchorage (ANC), Fairbanks (FAI), and Juneau (JNU). Coverage is limited or unavailable in many rural and remote areas of Alaska. Operators in non-LAANC areas must use the FAA DroneZone portal for airspace authorizations.
Major Airports
ANC — Ted Stevens Anchorage International AirportFAI — Fairbanks International AirportJNU — Juneau International AirportKTN — Ketchikan International AirportBET — Bethel AirportOME — Nome AirportADQ — Kodiak AirportSIT — Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently established in Alaska around military installations (e.g., Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson AFB), national parks and monuments, and wildfire areas. Alaska has extensive Class G airspace in rural regions, but operators must still check NOTAMs, especially given frequent TFRs tied to wildfire suppression operations. Use FAA B4UFLY or the FAA DroneZone to verify current restrictions before flight.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
Pending Legislation
No confirmed pending drone-specific legislation identified
As of the last update, no specific pending Alaska drone legislation has been confirmed. The Alaska Legislature has historically considered but not passed broader drone privacy or infrastructure protection bills. Monitoring of the current session is recommended.
Last action: Invalid Date
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) | UAF operates the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI), one of the nation's leading UAS research and test centers. All campus drone operations, whether for research, academic, or commercial purposes, require coordination with ACUASI and campus safety offices. UAF has extensive experience with COA-based flight operations and Arctic UAS research. Restrictions: All UAS operations on UAF campus or conducted under UAF authorization must be coordinated through ACUASI. Research flights typically operate under FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA). Operators must comply with UAF safety protocols and applicable FAA regulations. | Yes | ACUASI — Alaska Center for UAS Integration, University of Alaska Fairbanks |
| University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) | UAA campus drone operations are subject to University of Alaska System policies and FAA regulations. Operations near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport require particular attention to airspace authorizations. Researchers and students conducting drone flights for academic purposes should coordinate with the UAA Office of Research and Graduate Programs. Restrictions: Drone operations on or near UAA campus may require FAA airspace authorization due to proximity to ANC airport Class C airspace. All operators must comply with Part 107 or recreational rules as applicable. University property use permits may be required. | Yes | UAA Office of Research and Graduate Programs |
| University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) | The University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau has drone operations subject to University of Alaska System policies. Operations near Juneau International Airport require FAA airspace coordination. Coastal and maritime geography creates unique operational considerations. Restrictions: Drone flights must comply with FAA regulations. Proximity to Juneau International Airport (JNU) requires airspace authorization for many campus locations. Operators should coordinate with the campus administration for any organized drone activities. | Yes | UAS Campus Administration |
Last Updated
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