Airports, game days, the Smokies and state parks. Every rule below is quoted from its source.
Knoxville has two airports with controlled airspace around them.
Flight “within five nautical miles of McGhee Tyson Airport or Knoxville Downtown Island Airport” “falls within controlled airspace and requires FAA approval.”
Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
“This applies to ALL UAS OPERATIONS, hobbyist or commercial.” “Approval may only be gained through the FAA”
Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
A federal stadium rule covers Neyland on football game days.
“Federal law restricts UAS from flying at or below 3,000 AGL within a 3 nautical mile radius of any stadium” with 30,000 or more seats during NCAA Division I football, Major League Baseball, NFL and major motor speedway events. It starts one hour before the scheduled time and ends one hour after the event.
FAA
“Renovation scope completed prior to the 2022 football season brought Neyland Stadium's capacity to 101,915.”
Tennessee Athletics
The national park is off limits to drones.
Policy Memorandum 14-05 “directed each superintendent to use the authority under 36 CFR 1.5 to prohibit the launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft.”
National Park Service
“The NPS ban on drones has been in effect since June 2014.” “Rangers can write tickets for a misdemeanor violation that is typically accompanied by a $75 fine.”
WBIR
State parks have their own rule.
“No person may launch, land, or operate a UAS in any park area or natural area for any reason, unless” the flight stays entirely inside an Authorized Flight Zone, or the pilot has a permit. Outside a zone, the pilot must “obtain prior written approval from the Commissioner.”
Tennessee Rule 0400-02-02-.33
Paid drone work runs under the FAA's Part 107 rules.
“If you have a small drone that is less than 55 pounds, you can fly for work or business” under Part 107. Drone registration “costs $5 and is valid for 3 years.”
FAA
Call (865) 898-8655 or plan the shoot online. Knoxville and Knox County.
