Memphis Commercial Drone Permit for Events
Memphis, Tennessee event organizers who plan to use commercial drones must comply with federal aviation rules and coordinate with city event permitting. This guide explains how to request permission for drone operations tied to concerts, festivals, film shoots, and other public gatherings in Memphis, summarizes enforcement responsibilities, and lists practical action steps to reduce delays and safety risks. Contact the City Office that issues Special Event permits early in planning to confirm whether drone operations must be included in the event application and what supporting documents are required.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for airborne operations involves both federal and municipal authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates UAS operations and may impose civil penalties or criminal enforcement for violations; local authorities enforce event permit conditions and public safety rules.[2]
- Fines: specific monetary fines for unauthorized drone use at Memphis events are not specified on the cited city page; FAA civil penalties are published by the FAA.[1]
- Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing-offence escalation amounts are not specified on the cited city page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: permit denial, suspension or revocation of event permissions, removal from the event site, seizure of equipment, or referral for prosecution (when supported by law).
- Enforcers and complaints: City Special Events office and Memphis Police Department for on-site public safety; FAA for airspace violations. See official contacts in Resources.
- Appeal and review: appeal routes for city permit decisions depend on the issuing office and are not specified on the cited city page; request a review from the issuing department within the time limits stated on the permit decision notice or contact the issuing office for appeal deadlines.[1]
Applications & Forms
The City does not publish a distinct "commercial drone permit" form on its Special Event pages; drone operations are typically addressed as part of the event permit application and may require documentation of FAA approvals (waivers, COA) and proof of remote pilot certification. Fees, form names, and submission procedures for drone-specific approvals are not specified on the cited city page; contact the City Special Events office to confirm application requirements and any additional police or venue permits.[1]
- Application: complete the City Special Event permit application and disclose planned UAS operations.
- Documentation: attach FAA authorizations (waivers, COA), operator certificate, proof of insurance where requested.
- Fees: not specified on the cited city page; verify with the issuing office.
- Deadlines: submit the full event application early; confirm lead times with City and FAA to allow for review and waivers.
Action Steps
- Plan drone use in the event layout and safety plan, including exclusion zones and crowd distances.
- Contact the City Special Events office as part of your event permit application.[1]
- Obtain necessary FAA waivers or authorizations if operations do not comply with standard Part 107 rules.[2]
- Secure insurance and include proof with your submission if required by the venue or city.
FAQ
- Do I need a city permit to fly a drone at an event in Memphis?
- Possibly. Drone operations are typically included in the Special Event permit process; contact the City Special Events office to confirm requirements and submit supporting FAA authorizations when required.[1]
- What FAA approvals are required for commercial drone flights at events?
- Commercial operators must follow FAA Part 107 or obtain waivers/authorizations for operations outside standard rules; consult the FAA for specific federal requirements.[2]
- What happens if I fly without authorization?
- City-level penalties for unauthorized drone use at events are not specified on the cited city page; the FAA may impose civil penalties or enforcement actions for airspace violations.[1][2]
How-To
- Confirm event timing and location and map where the drone will operate and where the public will be kept clear.
- Contact the City Special Events office to determine whether drone operations must be included in the event permit and what attachments are required.[1]
- Obtain FAA authorizations or waivers if your planned operation falls outside Part 107 limitations.[2]
- Prepare operator credentials, COAs or waivers, insurance certificates, and an operations safety plan.
- Submit the City Special Event application with drone documentation and pay any applicable city fees if required.
- Receive the city permit decision and comply with any permit conditions on site during the event.
Key Takeaways
- Include drone operations in your Special Event permit and attach FAA approvals when required.
- Start the permitting and FAA waiver process well before the event date.
- Contact City Special Events and the venue early to avoid permit denial or delays.