Alaska Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Alaska maintains a moderate regulatory stance on drone operations with strong protections for government surveillance and wildlife. The state prohibits law enforcement drone surveillance without a warrant (AS 18.65.902) and restricts drones for hunting and fishing purposes. However, Alaska has no separate state registration requirements and allows recreational and commercial operations under federal FAA rules, subject to airspace restrictions around military facilities and national parks.
State Drone Laws
AS 18.65.901Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Written Procedures
Requires every law enforcement agency to adopt written procedures before operating a drone, including FAA authorization, trained personnel, public-purpose flights only, auditable records, and community involvement requirements.
AS 18.65.902Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Warrant Requirement
Requires a search warrant (or recognized exception) for law enforcement drone surveillance in criminal investigations. The 2024 Alaska Supreme Court ruling in State v. McKelvey reinforced this, holding that warrantless aerial surveillance of private property violates the Alaska Constitution.
AS 18.65.903Law Enforcement Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems - Image Retention
Prohibits retaining images captured by law enforcement drones unless needed for an active case, training, or required by law. Unretained images are classified as confidential.
5 AAC 92.085Prohibition on Using Drones to Locate Game
Illegal to use any remotely controlled airborne device with a camera to spot or locate game animals. Extends to infrared devices, electronically enhanced night vision, and trail cameras with wireless communication. Includes a cooling period: a person cannot take a specific animal until 3:00 a.m. the day after the device was used.
11 AAC 20.020Aircraft Restrictions in Chugach State Park
Prohibits aircraft, including drones, in Chugach State Park except for authorized aircraft flying into or out of Bold Airport at the inlet of Eklutna Lake. Drones are classified as aircraft under this regulation.
5 AAC 33.398Prohibition on Using Drones for Commercial Salmon Fishing Location
In Southeastern Alaska during open commercial salmon fishing periods, UAVs may not be used to locate salmon for commercial fishing or any activity related to commercial salmon fishing operations.
11 AAC 96.016Registration for Landing Aircraft on Public Use Land for Commercial Purposes
Landing an aircraft on public use land for commercial purposes requires registration according to the process prescribed by 11 AAC 96.018, which involves registering with the department, providing relevant information, and paying a registration fee.
Alaska DNR Commercial Filming PolicyCommercial Filming Authorization on State Lands
Commercial filming on state land (state uplands, shore lands, tidelands, and freshwater bodies) requires an authorization from the Department of Natural Resources. There are three different types of authorization depending on the duration of proposed operations. A business permit is required.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
Anchorage
cityDrone Flying Restrictions in City Parks
Drones are prohibited in most Anchorage city parks and recreational areas
Restrictions
Only two designated RC aircraft/drone flying areas in Anchorage municipality: Storck Park in Anchorage and Loretta French Park RC Airstrip in Chugiak. Drones banned in other city parks.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting with drone assistance (5 AAC 92.085) | Administrative violation | Variable | None | Alaska Department of Fish and Game | Hunting license suspension or revocation possible |
| Commercial salmon fishing with drone location assistance (5 AAC 33.398) | Administrative violation | Variable | None | Alaska Department of Fish and Game | Fishing license action possible |
| Aircraft operation in Chugach State Park (11 AAC 20.020) | Citation | Variable | None | Alaska Department of Natural Resources | Enforcement citation issued |
| Drones in federal national parks | Federal violation | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service / Federal law enforcement | Applies to all 8 Alaska national parks (Denali, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark) |
| FAA Part 107 commercial drone violation | Federal violation | Up to $32,666 per violation | None | Federal Aviation Administration |
Hunting with drone assistance (5 AAC 92.085)
Hunting license suspension or revocation possible
Commercial salmon fishing with drone location assistance (5 AAC 33.398)
Fishing license action possible
Aircraft operation in Chugach State Park (11 AAC 20.020)
Enforcement citation issued
Drones in federal national parks
Applies to all 8 Alaska national parks (Denali, Glacier Bay, Wrangell-St. Elias, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark)
FAA Part 107 commercial drone violation
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Alaska does not require separate state drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for drones over 250 grams ($5 for 3 years). Commercial landing on public use land requires separate authorization per 11 AAC 96.016.
Commercial filming on state land requires DNR authorization. LAANC authorization required for controlled airspace.
Insurance not legally mandated but highly recommended for commercial operations due to extreme weather conditions and remote locations.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Requirement
FAA requires Remote ID on all registered drones since March 2024
All drones over 250g must have Remote ID capability. Violation can result in up to $27,500 civil penalty or $250,000 criminal penalty.
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Federal law protecting whales, seals, sea otters, and walruses
NOAA recommends minimum 1,000-foot distance from marine mammals. Applies to all drone operations near marine wildlife in Alaska waters.
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act
Federal law protecting nesting eagles
Drone disturbance of nesting bald eagles is a federal offense carrying fines up to $100,000 for individuals. Applies throughout Alaska.
Wilderness Act of 1964
Federal designation of 57.4 million acres of Alaska wilderness
Drones banned in designated wilderness areas as motorized equipment. Covers most of Alaska's iconic scenic areas.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Operations
Federal Small UAS Rule for commercial drone operations
Commercial drone pilots must pass FAA Part 107 exam ($175). Alaska has PSI testing centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.
Recreational Drone Operations
FAA exception for recreational flyers (49 USC 44809)
Recreational pilots must pass TRUST test (free, online). Registration required for drones over 250g. Extreme cold temperatures in Alaska significantly impact battery performance (30-50% reduction below 32°F).
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 726 airports nationwide including Alaska airports. Available at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), Fairbanks International (FAI), and other Alaska airfields.
Major Airports
ANC — Ted Stevens Anchorage International AirportFAI — Fairbanks International AirportJNU — Juneau International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) common around major events, military bases (JBER, Ft. Wainwright, Eielson AFB), and national parks. Bush plane operations prevalent at low altitudes in uncontrolled airspace. Military Operations Areas (MOAs) active at unpredictable times across interior Alaska.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
No recent enforcement actions or news on record.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | UAF operates the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI), a leading UAS research center. Campus drone operations require coordination with ACUASI and campus safety. Restrictions: All campus UAS operations must be coordinated through ACUASI. Research flights follow FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA) procedures. | 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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