The N.C. Department of Transportation and its partners in business, government, education and research are pushing the boundaries of unmanned aviation technologies to integrate beneficial drone use across North Carolina.
Drones, also called unmanned aircraft systems, are delivering life-saving medical packages, making backyard retail deliveries, and supporting first responders during disasters. Still, many advancements are needed before drones operate routinely in the transportation system.
NCDOT is among a handful of teams selected by the Federal Aviation Administration’s
BEYOND initiative to accomplish this.
Although the FAA has exclusive authority over the use of airspace in the United States – including the airspace used by drones – NCDOT has the authority to implement and manage regulations pertaining to state laws concerning drone operations within the state.
Please note: North Carolina no longer requires commercial and government drone operators to obtain an N.C. permit.
How the laws apply to you depends on how you're using your drone. Click below to learn more.