Drone Regulations in New Hampshire: 2024 Guide

Recreational and commercial drone flight is permitted in New Hampshire, subject to federal FAA regulations and state laws concerning privacy, harassment, and interference with hunting.

Quick Answer: Can You Fly a Drone in New Hampshire?

Recreational and commercial drone flight is generally permitted in New Hampshire. The state has no single comprehensive drone statute. Federal FAA rules under 14 CFR Part 107 are the primary legal framework, supplemented by general NH statutes covering privacy, harassment, and interference with hunting and fishing.

Key restrictions to know before you fly:

• No drone flight over state correctional facilities (consult NH Department of Corrections for the applicable authority)
• No using a drone to harass or interfere with hunters, trappers, or anglers (NH RSA 207:57)
• No flight in Class D controlled airspace around NH airports without prior LAANC authorization or an FAA waiver
• Commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107)
• Recreational flyers must pass the free TRUST test before flying (FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Section 349)

Recreational vs. Commercial: At a Glance

Federal Rules That Apply to All NH Drone Pilots

FAA Registration

Any drone weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs must be registered with the FAA before its first outdoor flight. Registration costs $5 per drone, is completed online at FAA DroneZone (faadronezone.faa.gov), and is valid for three years. The registration number must be displayed on the aircraft.

Recreational Rules

Under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Section 349, recreational flyers must:

• Fly at or below 400 feet above ground level (AGL)
• Maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times
• Never fly over moving vehicles or people not directly involved in the operation
• Fly only within FAA-recognized community-based organization safety guidelines
• Pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying. The test is free, available from multiple FAA-approved test administrators, and has no expiration date.

Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Any drone operation conducted for business purposes, compensation, or in furtherance of a commercial enterprise requires a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107). To qualify, you must pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved testing center, be at least 16 years old, and pass a TSA security vetting. Certificate renewal requires either a recurrent knowledge test or an online recurrent training course every 24 calendar months.

LAANC Authorization for Controlled Airspace

New Hampshire has several airports with Class D or Class E surface airspace where drone flight requires prior authorization. These include:

• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT): Class C airspace with a surface area
• Concord Municipal Airport (CON): Class D airspace
• Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), Laconia Municipal Airport (LCI), and others with Class E surface designations

Use the FAA UAS Facility Maps to identify the maximum authorized altitude grid for each airport area. LAANC authorization is free and near-instant through approved apps. For operations not covered by LAANC facility maps, you must apply for a Part 107 airspace authorization through FAA DroneZone.

Remote ID

As of March 16, 2024, most drones must broadcast Remote ID, which transmits identification and location information during flight (FAA Remote ID Final Rule, 89 FR 2182). Drones manufactured after this date must have built-in Remote ID. Older drones require an FAA-accepted Remote ID broadcast module. Flying at an FAA-recognized identification area (FRIA) is the only exception for drones without Remote ID capability.

New Hampshire State Laws and Statutes Affecting Drones

New Hampshire's legislature has not created a comprehensive drone code. In 2018, a bill that would have regulated drone use, HB 1759, was voted Inexpedient to Legislate (MA VV 03/22/2018, HJ 10, P. 18). Drone operators must therefore comply with a patchwork of general statutes that apply to drone conduct.

Hunting and Fishing Interference

NH RSA 207:57 prohibits using an unmanned aerial vehicle to interfere with or harass a person lawfully engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing. This is the most drone-specific statute in New Hampshire. Violations are enforced by NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement. Consult NH RSA 207:57 directly for current penalty provisions.

Audio Surveillance and Wiretapping

NH RSA 570-A:2 prohibits the interception of oral communications without the consent of all parties. If a drone-mounted microphone captures audio of private conversations, the operator may face wiretapping liability. New Hampshire is an all-party consent state for audio recording. Consult a New Hampshire attorney before conducting any drone operation that captures audio.

Criminal Invasion of Privacy

NH RSA 644:9 criminalizes invading another person's privacy where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Drone surveillance of private property, particularly capturing images through windows or over fenced yards, could trigger this statute. The offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. Consult NH RSA 644:9 directly and consider legal counsel for any operation near private residences.

Where You Can and Cannot Fly in New Hampshire

State Parks

The NH Division of Parks and Recreation requires a permit for commercial filming and photography, including drone operations, in state parks. Recreational drone use policies vary by park. Consult the NH Division of Parks and Recreation directly at nhstateparks.org for the current permit application, fee schedule, and any park-specific restrictions. Do not assume recreational drone use is freely permitted in all state parks.

White Mountain National Forest

The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) is managed by the USDA Forest Service. Commercial drone operations require a Special Use Permit under 36 CFR Part 251. The Forest Service may also designate specific no-fly zones for resource protection or public safety. Contact the White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office (fs.usda.gov/whitemountain) for current permit requirements.

Recreational drone use in the WMNF is generally permitted where not otherwise restricted, but operators must comply with all FAA rules and any posted area closures.

Correctional Facilities

Drone flight over New Hampshire state prisons and correctional facilities is prohibited. Consult the NH Department of Corrections for the specific statutory authority and any associated penalties. Do not fly near these facilities.

Controlled Airspace Near Airports

As described above, LAANC authorization is required before entering controlled airspace. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps before every flight near any NH airport.

Municipal Restrictions

Some municipalities may regulate drone takeoff and landing on public property they control, such as parks or boat launches. Since local policies can change, check with the relevant city or town clerk's office before flying from municipal property.

Wildlife Refuges and Wetlands

Federal wildlife refuges in New Hampshire, managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), may have drone restrictions to protect nesting birds and sensitive habitat. Contact the relevant USFWS refuge office before flying.

Location Summary

Permit Fees, Timelines, and Requirements Compared

For Part 107 testing, PSI Services operates testing centers in New Hampshire. Testing center availability changes, so verify current NH locations at the PSI exam scheduling portal (psionline.com) or through FAA's testing center lookup at faa.gov.

Enforcement: Who Oversees Drone Rules in New Hampshire

FAA Federal Enforcement

The FAA is the primary enforcement authority for federal drone regulations. Civil penalties for commercial operators can reach thousands of dollars per violation, and criminal penalties are possible for egregious conduct. Consult the current FAA civil penalty schedule at faa.gov for the most current figures.

NH State Police and Local Law Enforcement

NH State Police and local police departments enforce state statutes. If a drone operation constitutes criminal invasion of privacy under NH RSA 644:9 or harassment under other statutes, local law enforcement has jurisdiction to investigate. State police operate under the NH Department of Safety (NH RSA 21-P).

NH Fish and Game Law Enforcement

Fish and Game Conservation Officers enforce NH RSA 207:57, which prohibits drone interference with lawful hunting, trapping, or fishing. These officers have statewide jurisdiction.

Reporting a Rogue Drone Operator

• FAA: Report unsafe drone operations at faa.gov/uas or call 1-844-FLY-MY-UA (1-844-359-6982)
• Local law enforcement: Call your local police department for immediate safety concerns or privacy violations
• NH Fish and Game: Contact the NH Fish and Game tip line (1-800-852-3784) for hunting/fishing interference

Liability and Insurance

The FAA does not require drone pilots to carry liability insurance, but it is strongly recommended. A drone that causes property damage or personal injury creates civil liability for the operator. Commercial operators should carry adequate liability coverage. Recreational flyers should check whether their homeowner's or renter's insurance policy covers drone incidents.

Next Steps: How to Fly Legally in New Hampshire

Pre-Flight Checklist

1. Register your drone at FAA DroneZone (faadronezone.faa.gov) if it weighs 0.55 lbs or more.
2. Get certified. Recreational flyers must complete the TRUST test. Commercial flyers must obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
3. Verify Remote ID compliance. Confirm your drone broadcasts Remote ID or attach an approved broadcast module (FAA Remote ID Final Rule, 89 FR 2182).
4. Check airspace using the FAA B4UFLY app or FAA UAS Facility Maps. Obtain LAANC authorization if flying in controlled airspace.
5. Check for TFRs. Check for Temporary Flight Restrictions at faa.gov/uas or via an aviation app on the day of your flight.
6. Obtain site-specific permits if flying in NH State Parks (commercial), White Mountain National Forest (commercial), or any location with posted restrictions.
7. Know the state statutes. Review NH RSA 207:57, NH RSA 644:9, and NH RSA 570-A:2 if your operation involves hunting areas, residential areas, or audio capture.

Key Contacts

Recommended Apps

• FAA B4UFLY: Airspace check, TFR alerts
• Aloft: LAANC authorization, airspace visualization
• DroneUp: LAANC authorization