FAA Part 107 and Drone Regulations in Atlanta: What You Need to Know

Atlanta's airspace is among the most complex in the United States. Home to the world's busiest airport, multiple general aviation airports, and a sprawling metro area that extends into multiple FAA airspace classifications, flying a drone commercially in Atlanta requires a level of regulatory knowledge that goes well beyond simply knowing how to fly.

This guide covers everything you need to know about FAA regulations, Atlanta-specific airspace considerations, and what to look for when hiring a drone operator to ensure they're operating legally.

FAA Part 107: The Foundation

The FAA's Part 107 rule, which took effect in August 2016, established the regulatory framework for commercial drone operations in the United States. Any person flying a drone for commercial purposes — including real estate photography, wedding videography, construction documentation, or any other paid work — is required to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.

Obtaining Part 107 certification requires:

• Passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (a 60-question exam covering airspace, weather, regulations, and operations)
• Being at least 16 years old
• Being able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Being in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a drone

The test is administered at FAA-approved testing centers and costs $175. Certification must be renewed every 24 months through an online recurrent training course.

Key Part 107 Operational Rules

• Maximum altitude: 400 feet AGL (above ground level), or within 400 feet of a structure
• Maximum speed: 100 mph
• Daytime operations only (unless waiver obtained)
• Visual line of sight required at all times
• No flight over moving vehicles or people (unless waiver obtained)
• No flight in controlled airspace without authorization

Atlanta's Airspace: A Complex Picture

Atlanta's airspace complexity stems primarily from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which generates more aircraft operations than any other airport in the world. The Class B airspace surrounding ATL extends from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL and covers a massive geographic area.

Within this Class B airspace, drone flights require explicit FAA authorization — not just notification. This authorization is obtained through the LAANC system.

Beyond ATL, the Atlanta metro area contains several additional controlled airspace areas:

LAANC: How Authorization Works

LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is the FAA's automated system for granting real-time airspace authorization to drone operators. It allows certified Part 107 pilots to request authorization for flights in controlled airspace and receive approval (or denial) within seconds through approved apps.

LAANC-approved apps include AirMap, Aloft (formerly Kittyhawk), and the FAA's own DroneZone portal. A professional drone operator will use one of these systems as a matter of routine before any flight in controlled airspace.

What LAANC Covers

Flights in Class B, C, D, and E airspace up to the altitude ceiling established for each grid square. In some areas near ATL, this ceiling may be 0 feet — meaning no drone flights are authorized at any altitude without a manual FAA waiver.

What LAANC Does Not Cover

Flights over people, flights at night, flights beyond visual line of sight, and flights in certain restricted or prohibited areas. These require separate FAA waivers, which can take weeks to obtain.

Local Ordinances and Restrictions

Beyond FAA regulations, drone operators in Atlanta must also comply with local ordinances and property restrictions.

City of Atlanta Parks

Drone flights in Atlanta city parks require a permit from the Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. Piedmont Park, Grant Park, and other popular filming locations require advance permitting.

Private Property

Flying over private property without permission is a gray area legally, but best practice is to obtain permission from property owners before conducting any flights over their land.

HOA Restrictions

Some homeowners associations in Atlanta suburbs have adopted rules restricting drone flights within their communities. These are not FAA regulations but can create legal complications.

State Laws

Georgia has adopted drone-specific legislation that, among other things, prohibits drone surveillance of private property and critical infrastructure.

What to Ask Your Drone Operator

When hiring a drone operator for any project in Atlanta, verify:

1. Part 107 certificate number — Verifiable at FAA DroneZone
2. LAANC authorization process — Ask how they handle controlled airspace
3. Insurance coverage — Request a certificate of insurance
4. Local permit experience — Have they shot at your specific location before?
5. Knowledge of local restrictions — Do they know about PDK, FTY, and RYY airspace?

An operator who can answer all of these questions confidently and specifically is operating professionally. An operator who is vague, dismissive, or unfamiliar with LAANC is a red flag.

The Bottom Line

Atlanta's airspace complexity is not a reason to avoid drone photography — it's a reason to hire professionals who navigate it routinely. The best drone operators in Atlanta have LAANC authorization down to a 30-second routine, know every controlled airspace boundary in the metro area, and have the permits and insurance to operate anywhere in the city legally and safely.

When you hire a certified, insured, experienced drone operator, the regulatory complexity is invisible to you. That's exactly how it should be.