UAS/Drones

Local Rules

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 493.109 states that all UAS operators must receive authorization from the Airport Manager prior to flight within 5 miles of Boulder City Municipal Airport. 

•    UAS flights more than 1 mile from the intersecting runways at the airport are authorized, with no need to contact the airport, as long as all applicable laws and regulations are being followed. 

•    UAS flights within 1 mile of the intersecting runways at BVU are strongly discouraged due to the high volume of low level, fixed wing and helicopter traffic, arriving and departing the airfield.  UAS flights within 1 mile of BVU must contact airport administration for authorization at 702-293-9405 or by email at airportadmin@bcnv.org

The interactive map found here can be used to distinguish if your planned flight is within 1 mile of the airport.

In accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), Chapter I, Subchapter F, Part 107:

•    No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base.

•    Each small unmanned aircraft must yield the right of way to all aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch and reentry vehicles. Yielding the right of way means that the small unmanned aircraft must give way to the aircraft or vehicle and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear.

•    No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard.

When flying within Boulder City limits, UAS pilots shall follow all Federal, State, local regulations, and exercise extreme caution.  If you wish to operate from City Property a Permit may be required from Parks and Recreation.

FAA Regulations

Per FAA's 2018 Reauthorization Bill Section 349, all recreation UAS operators must complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and maintain proof of passing.

• The test is free and can be taken online at an approved test administrator's website. The list of approved websites can be found here and taken on any computer.

• Make sure that you maintain your certificate of completion, or you will have to re-take the test to obtain a new certificate.

For more information from the FAA about UAS take a look at the Unmanned Aircraft Systems page here