Drone Laws
in Alaska (2023)

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Alaska State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the whole state.

Alaska Admin Code 11 AAC 96.016

Landing an aircraft on public use land for commercial purposes requires registration according the process prescribed by 11 AAC 96.018. This involves registering with the department, providing relevant information, and paying a registration fee.

Ref Alaska Admin Code 11 AAC 96.016

 

DNR Commercial Filming Policy

Commercial filming on state land (state uplands, shore lands, tidelands, and freshwater bodies) requires an authorization from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). There are three different types of authorization depending on the duration of the proposed operations. This will require having a business permit.

Ref Alaska DNR Commercial Filming Policy

 

Alaska Admin Code 92.080

This law makes it illegal to use drones with cameras to aid in locating game while hunting. This includes the use of infrared devices, electronically enhanced night vision, and any airborne device that can communicate wirelessly or be controlled remotely.

Ref Alaska Admin Code Title 5 Sec 92.080 (2022)

 

Alaska Drone/UAS Operator Safety Guidelines and Privacy FAQ

Although not technically a law, this set of guidelines was prepared by the UAS Legislative Task Force of Alaska. Most of the guidelines included in this document were based from FAA rules. The document emphasizes the use of drones in a manner that is courteous and does not violate the right to privacy of other people.

Ref UAS Legislative Task Force

 

Alaska Statutes 2020 Sec. 18.65.901

This article defines the limitations on the use of UAVs by law enforcement agencies, including provisions on when they can be used and how long images can be retained.

Ref Alaska Statutes 2020

 

City and County
Drone Laws
These laws apply in some areas.

Local drone laws in Alaska refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

 

Southeastern Alaska Area

It is illegal to use an unmanned aircraft to locate salmon for commercial salmon fishing
Ref Alaska Admin Code Title 5 Sec 33.398 (2022)

 

Chugach State Park

Alaska State Regulations prohibit the use of aircraft for the purpose of practice landing within Chugach State Park. However, drone use is allowed on Bold airstrip at the inlet of Eklutna Lake.
Ref Alaska Admin Code Title 11 Sec 20.020 (2022)