In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Alabama.
Alabama is a state in the southeastern part of the United States and home to important American Civil Rights Movement sites. The 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, which is now a museum, served as the center of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. And also in Montgomery, the state capital, you may visit Martin Luther King, Jr’s church and the Rosa Parks Museum, which is devoted to the activist.
Please use this page as a resource if you reside in (or are visiting) Alabama to learn more about not only where to fly, but also where it is and is not permitted by the law to fly a drone. I will also offer regulatory guidance to assist you in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Regulations In Alabama
The federal drone laws governing flying a drone in Alabama, which was created by the Federal Aviation Administration classifies drone operations as either recreational flying or commercial flying.
Federal Regulations In Alabama
Recreational drone pilots are subject to the FAA rules for recreational flyers which requires them to register their drones if it weighs more than 250g and complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before they can operate their drone for recreational purpose in the United States of America.
Commercial drone pilots are subject to FAA rules for commercial pilots, which require them to follow The Part 107 regulations, complete a multiple-choice exam and earn a drone pilot certification from the FAA before they can operate their drone for commercial purpose in the United States of America.
When flying within five miles of an airport, drone pilots are no longer needed to independently contact air traffic control. Instead, to obtain airspace authorization to fly in regulated airspace near and above numerous airports, both commercial and leisure fliers can use the automated LAANC system. You must apply for airspace authorization if you are operating in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace. In places where LAANC is unavailable, you can accomplish this using the FAA Drone Zone or LAANC.
When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using tools like B4UFLY, Kittyhawk, or Airmap.
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
State and Local Regulations In Alabama
Here is an in depth guide of the drone laws in Alabama that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in Alabama. You should always exercise sound judgment when in doubt and adhere to the FAA’s regulations.
Note that nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and is solely provided for informative reasons. Send an email to info[at]droneller[dot]com if there is anything we missed or if you have any more questions, and we’ll try our best to assist you.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Birmingham
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in the Birmingham region of Alabama. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
You’ll discover that the majority of the spots I’ve picked are situated in unregulated Class G airspace, where flying is permitted without any authorization. I also took sure to draw attention to any areas with recognized UAS/remote aircraft fields.
1. Lake Purdy
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?33.467704,-86.650026,13.377684z
- Location: 3780 Boat Launch Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
Lake Purdy is a 990-acre state reservoir on the Little Cahaba River which provides drinking water for the City of Birmingham. The lake and its surroundings, which are protected by woods, have developed into one of those uncommon birding places that is always exciting – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This area has a distant vibe because of the untamed countryside, which is ideal for drone operators wishing to escape the city to record breathtaking natural video. This place is fantastic for getting that perfect image because of how near it is to the city center and because of the stunning vistas.
2. Oak Mountain State Park
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?33.332792,-86.737219,12.592014z
- Location: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
Oak Mountain State Park is a publicly owned leisure area situated in the northeastern portion of the city of Pelham, Alabama, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Birmingham. With 9,940 acres (4,020 ha), it is the biggest state park in the nation and is where the Alabama Wildlife Center, Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, and Oak Mountain BMX Track are located.
The park offers vacation cottages, golf, a pro shop with a snack bar, improved camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain bike trails, and backpacking to give drone pilots a variety of outdoor recreational pursuits to enjoy after capturing stunning views from the mountain top.
3. Railroad Park
- Airspace Class: Class C — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?33.509804,-86.810162,16.367282z
- Location: 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Railroad Park is a 19-acre open green space located in the middle of downtown Birmingham. The Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines that run through downtown Birmingham are just south of the park. It spans from 14th Street to 18th Street along First Avenue South. A few streets south of the park are the Children’s Hospital of Alabama and the UAB Hospital.
Drone pilots will enjoy the luxurious landscape that contains annual, biennial, and perennial flowers, which will give them a cool escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
4. Talladega National Forest
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?32.818058,-87.043579,11.375658z
The Talladega National Forest is located in the Brent area of Alabama and covers 392,567 acres (613.39 square miles or 1,588.66 km2) at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. The forest is home to the coyote, turkey, white-tailed deer, two species of fox, bobwhite quail, two species of squirrel, black bear, rabbit, raccoon, and various waterfowl.
The forest also contains dense pine and oak tree forests that provide a beautiful setting for any drone photography. Coupled with various natural attractions, that offers something for everyone to enjoy.
5. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?33.702539,-86.700299,14.377684z
- Location: 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is located in Pinson, 15 miles north of Birmingham, Alabama. It extends over 466 acres of land and is home to three endangered species of fish: the Vermilion Darter, the Watercress Darter, and the Rush Darter.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is also home to ancient rock formations and other beautiful landscapes in the south-eastern part of the United States of America that present drone pilots with opportunities to capture the most stunning and unique beauty they could ever imagine.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Huntsville
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in the Huntsville region of Alabama. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Monte Sano State Park
5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Monte Sano State Park is a publicly owned leisure area and mountaintop retreat that spans 2,140 acres (870 ha) and is located on the eastern slopes and summit of Monte Sano Mountain, on the east side of Huntsville, Alabama. The state park has rustic cottages constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, as well as hiking paths, picnic spots with breathtaking views, and contemporary campgrounds
Drone pilots have many opportunities for exploration, flying training, and aerial photography thanks to the abundance of hiking paths and a sizable camping area. A drone taken off from the campground can see the lights of Huntsville on a clear night.
2. Rocket City Radio Controllers
4100 Leeman Ferry Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35802
Just south of the heart of Huntsville, the AMA-authorized Rocket City Radio Controllers RC Aircraft Club maintains a field there. To fly on this field, you must have both a club membership and a complete AMA membership. The group is highly welcoming to beginners and enthusiasts.
3. Limestone Bay
34.6045914, -86.8892845
Limestone Creek, a tributary of the Tennessee River, has a length of 45.5 miles (73.2 km) [2] and a drainage area of 144.3 square miles (374 km2) [3]. The majority of the river’s watershed is located in Limestone County, Alabama, after which the river begins in Lincoln County, Tennessee, and then runs south into Madison County, Alabama.
You will see the surrounding vegetation and the skies reflected in the clear, tranquil sea by taking a drone out to the bay. We advise launching your drone from the east boat ramp to keep it out of the Huntsville International Airport’s restricted airspace.
4. Lost Sink Falls
1455 McMullen Rd #1473, Gurley, AL 35748
The Lost Sink Falls in the Keel Mountain Preserve might be a special location for drone photography if you’re prepared for a trek. The vast waterfalls are accessible after one to two hours of trekking along the Lost Sink trail. Compared to other waterfalls in Alabama, the Lost Sink Falls is somewhat less well-known. There is a fair probability that you will have the place to yourself if you combine it with a strenuous climb.
Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In Alabama
So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in Alabama!
I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of Alabama from above. You can also check out where to fly a drone in other states and cities in the United States.
Always remember to obey the federal, state, and local drone laws in Alabama to avoid having issues with the law and authorities.
And don’t forget to share this article with a friend and other drone pilots who will benefit from this information using the share icons below.
