Alaska Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alaska maintains a permissive stance toward civilian drone operations, with no state registration requirement or state-level licensing beyond federal FAA mandates. The state implements targeted restrictions on hunting, commercial fishing with drones, and law enforcement surveillance. A landmark 2024 Alaska Supreme Court ruling in State v. McKelvey affirmed constitutional protection against warrantless aerial surveillance of private property, establishing Alaska as one of four states with this level of constitutional drone privacy protection.
State Drone Laws
AS 18.65.901Law Enforcement Unmanned Aircraft Procedures
Requires law enforcement agencies using unmanned aircraft systems to adopt written procedures including FAA authorization, trained personnel, agency approval, public purpose justification, and flight records.
AS 18.65.902Warrant Requirement for Law Enforcement UAS Surveillance
Requires law enforcement to obtain a search warrant or recognized exception before using an unmanned aircraft system to gather evidence in a criminal investigation.
AS 18.65.903Retention and Disclosure of UAS Images by Law Enforcement
Prohibits law enforcement from retaining images captured by unmanned aircraft unless necessary for an active case, prosecution, training, or legal requirement. Retained images are classified as confidential.
AS 16.05.783Same Day Airborne Hunting Prohibition
Makes it unlawful to shoot or assist in shooting a free-ranging wolf or wolverine on the same day a person has been airborne. Exceptions exist for scheduled commercial flights and authorized predator-control programs. Aircraft may be forfeited by the court.
5 AAC 92.080Unlawful Methods of Taking Game
Prohibits the use of any airborne device, remotely controlled device, or wireless-communication device with a camera to spot or locate any game animal. Includes a cooling period: wildlife located by such device cannot be taken until 3:00 a.m. on the following day.
5 AAC 92.085Unlawful Methods of Taking Big Game
Carries forward the hunting regulation prohibiting use of airborne, remotely controlled, or wireless camera devices to spot or locate big game animals.
5 AAC 33.398Prohibition on Using Drones to Locate Salmon for Commercial Fishing
In Southeastern Alaska during an open commercial salmon fishing period, it is unlawful to use a drone or other unmanned aircraft to locate salmon for, or to direct, commercial salmon fishing operations.
11 AAC 20.020Aircraft Operations in Chugach State Park
Prohibits aircraft, including unmanned aircraft, from taking off or landing in Chugach State Park except for authorized aircraft at Bold Airstrip at Eklutna Lake inlet.
11 AAC 96.016Commercial Landing and Operations on Public Use Land
Requires registration and authorization from Alaska Department of Natural Resources for commercial aircraft landings on public use land, including provisions for drone and commercial filming operations.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Municipality of Anchorage
cityAnchorage Municipal Code 25.70.060 - Remote Control Aircraft
Restricts operation of miniature aircraft (drones and remote-controlled aircraft) in city parks and recreational areas. Designates two areas where remote control aircraft and drones may operate.
Restrictions
Drone operations prohibited in city parks except in two designated areas: Storck Park in Anchorage and Loretta French Park RC Airstrip in Chugiak. Operators in designated areas must carry liability insurance.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using drone to spot or locate game (5 AAC 92.080/92.085) | Hunting Regulation Violation | Varies (hunting license suspension/revocation possible) | None specified | Alaska Department of Fish and Game / Alaska Wildlife Troopers | Cooling period applies: specific animal cannot be taken until 3:00 a.m. the next day after drone use |
| Shooting wolf or wolverine the same day airborne (AS 16.05.783) | Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 1 year | Alaska Wildlife Troopers | Aircraft may be forfeited by court; exceptions for scheduled commercial flights and authorized predator control |
| Using drone to locate salmon for commercial fishing in Southeast Alaska (5 AAC 33.398) | Commercial Fishing Violation | Varies per ADF&G regulations | None specified | Alaska Department of Fish and Game | Applies only during open commercial salmon fishing periods in Southeastern Alaska |
| Law enforcement surveillance without warrant (AS 18.65.902) | Constitutional/Evidence Violation | No direct fine; evidence suppressed | None | Courts / District Attorney | Evidence gathered in violation is excluded from court proceedings; State v. McKelvey (2024) reinforces this protection at constitutional level |
| Drone takeoff/landing in Chugach State Park outside Bold Airstrip (11 AAC 20.020) | Park Regulation Violation | Varies | None specified | Alaska State Parks / Department of Natural Resources | Only authorized aircraft may use Bold Airstrip at Eklutna Lake inlet |
| Drone operation in Anchorage city parks outside designated areas | Municipal Ordinance Violation | Varies | None specified | Municipality of Anchorage / Anchorage Police Department | Operators in designated areas (Storck Park, Loretta French Park RC Airstrip) must carry liability insurance |
| Operating drone in NPS units without authorization (36 CFR 1.5) | Federal Petty Offense | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / U.S. Marshal Service | Applies to Denali, Katmai, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Gates of the Arctic, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and other NPS units |
Using drone to spot or locate game (5 AAC 92.080/92.085)
Cooling period applies: specific animal cannot be taken until 3:00 a.m. the next day after drone use
Shooting wolf or wolverine the same day airborne (AS 16.05.783)
Aircraft may be forfeited by court; exceptions for scheduled commercial flights and authorized predator control
Using drone to locate salmon for commercial fishing in Southeast Alaska (5 AAC 33.398)
Applies only during open commercial salmon fishing periods in Southeastern Alaska
Law enforcement surveillance without warrant (AS 18.65.902)
Evidence gathered in violation is excluded from court proceedings; State v. McKelvey (2024) reinforces this protection at constitutional level
Drone takeoff/landing in Chugach State Park outside Bold Airstrip (11 AAC 20.020)
Only authorized aircraft may use Bold Airstrip at Eklutna Lake inlet
Drone operation in Anchorage city parks outside designated areas
Operators in designated areas (Storck Park, Loretta French Park RC Airstrip) must carry liability insurance
Operating drone in NPS units without authorization (36 CFR 1.5)
Applies to Denali, Katmai, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Gates of the Arctic, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and other NPS units
Registration, Fees & Taxes
No additional state registration or fees in Alaska
Only standard federal FAA registration applies. No state registration, licensing, or drone-specific fees on record.
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Commercial License
Not Required
Sales Tax on Drones
Does Not Apply
Alaska does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration ($5 for 3 years) is mandatory for all drones over 250 grams. Commercial operations on state land require DNR authorization but registration is not a fee-based state system. Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test and maintain proof of passage.
No statewide permit required for recreational or commercial drone operations. Commercial filming on state land requires DNR authorization per 11 AAC 96.016 (fee amount not specified in available sources). Chugach State Park prohibits takeoff/landing except at Bold Airstrip.
No statewide insurance requirement. Anchorage municipal parks require liability insurance for drone operations; insurance may be obtained through the Alaska Radio Control Society or Frontier Fun Flyers.
Applicable Federal Regulations
FAA Part 107 - Commercial Small UAS Operations
Federal requirement for commercial drone pilots
All commercial drone operators in Alaska must obtain FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. No additional state licensing required. Alaska's commercial drone market includes oil/gas inspection, mining surveys, infrastructure inspection, fisheries monitoring, and search-and-rescue operations.
Remote ID - Mandatory Since March 16, 2024
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information
Standard Remote ID, broadcast module, or operation inside FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) required. Compliance mandatory statewide.
FAA TRUST Test - Recreational Operations
Free online aeronautical knowledge and safety test
All recreational drone pilots must pass TRUST before flying. No Alaska state test required. Certificate must be carried during operations.
LAANC and Controlled Airspace
Authorization required for operations in Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace
Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau have controlled airspace. LAANC authorization available at 726+ airports nationwide. Alaska's high density of bush planes at low altitude increases collision risk; see-and-avoid burden is significant.
Altitude and Visual Line of Sight
FAA baseline rules apply
400 feet AGL maximum for most flights. Visual line of sight required unless waivered. Night flying allowed with anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. Civil twilight operations permitted under VLOS.
Marine Mammal Protection Act - 1000-foot Standoff
Federal requirement for protection of whales, seals, sea otters, walruses
NOAA recommends minimum 1,000-foot distance from marine mammals. Violations subject to federal penalties.
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Drone interference with nesting eagles is federal felony
Disturbing bald or golden eagle nests with drones subject to civil penalties up to $100,000 for individuals. Applies throughout Alaska.
National Park Service - Complete Drone Ban
Drones prohibited in all NPS units
All eight Alaska national parks (Denali, Katmai, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Gates of the Arctic, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark) prohibit drone launch, landing, and operation. Violations are federal petty offenses (up to $5,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment).
National Wildlife Refuges - Permit Required
Most refuges prohibit or restrict drone operations
Alaska's 16 national wildlife refuges, including Kenai, Arctic NWR, Kodiak, Tetlin, and Yukon Delta, prohibit unauthorized drone operations. Special use permits required.
Wilderness Act - Motorized Equipment Ban
57.4 million acres of designated wilderness ban drones
Drones classified as motorized equipment; prohibited in all designated wilderness areas per Wilderness Act of 1964. Affects significant portions of Alaska.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Alaska has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC, Class C), Fairbanks International (FAI, controlled airspace), and Juneau International (JNU, controlled airspace). Lake Hood seaplane base and Merrill Field in Anchorage maintain Class D airspace. LAANC essential for operations near Alaska's major airports due to high density of bush plane and floatplane traffic.
Major Airports
ANC — Ted Stevens Anchorage International (Class C)FAI — Fairbanks International (Controlled Airspace)JNU — Juneau International (Controlled Airspace)HNL — Lake Hood Seaplane Base (Class D)MRF — Merrill Field, Anchorage (Class D)
TFR Notice
Military Operations Areas (MOAs) active throughout interior Alaska at unpredictable times. Check B4UFLY and NOTAMs for active TFRs before every flight. Major events may generate temporary flight restrictions.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
State v. McKelvey - Alaska Supreme Court Rules Warrantless Aerial Surveillance Unconstitutional
regulatory changeAlaska Supreme Court held that warrantless aerial surveillance of private property violates the Alaska Constitution's protection against unreasonable searches. Court explicitly noted that drones expand this privacy concern. Alaska joins California, Hawaii, and Vermont with this level of constitutional protection.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks (ACUASI) | The Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) at UAF manages all campus drone operations and serves as a national center for UAS research. ACUASI coordinates with FAA and conducts advanced research including beyond-visual-line-of-sight testing. All UAS operations on campus must coordinate through ACUASI and follow FAA authorization procedures. Restrictions: All campus UAS operations must be coordinated through ACUASI. Research flights follow FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA) procedures. Commercial or recreational flying on campus requires ACUASI approval. | Yes | ACUASI — Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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