Aerial Imagery in Arlington, TX

Airports & LAANC Zones

• DFW — Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (Class B, 8 miles north — LAANC required for most of Arlington)
• GSW — Fort Worth Spinks Airport (uncontrolled Class E, 15 miles south — advisory only)
• AHL — Arlington Municipal Heliport (downtown, active EMS and corporate helicopter traffic)

Restricted Airspace

• Class B airspace around DFW International — DFW Class B shelves extend over most of northern and central Arlington. LAANC authorization required for all commercial drone flights north of I-20 and west of SH 360. This covers the Entertainment District, downtown, and the University of Texas at Arlington campus.
• AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) — stadium TFRs during Cowboys games, concerts, and ticketed events prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL. AT&T Stadium is one of the most active TFR venues in the US with 10+ NFL games, major concerts, and events year-round.
• Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers) — stadium TFRs during Rangers games and events prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL. The retractable roof stadium hosts 80+ MLB games plus concerts and events.
• Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor — amusement park TFRs during operating hours prohibit drone flights within the park boundaries. The parks operate March through December with peak summer attendance.
• Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center — large venue with event-driven TFRs during major gaming tournaments and conventions.
• University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) — campus drone flights require authorization from the UTA Office of Information Technology. UTA has an active UAS research program and coordinates campus drone operations through their aviation department.
• Arlington Municipal Heliport (AHL) — active EMS and corporate helicopter traffic in downtown Arlington. Drone pilots should monitor CTAF and maintain awareness of helicopter traffic, especially near medical facilities.
• Severe weather: Arlington is in the DFW tornado risk zone. The 2012 Arlington tornado (EF-2) caused significant damage. Post-storm roof inspection and insurance damage documentation is a major aerial imaging use case.

Local Ordinances

Arlington does not issue a separate city-level drone permit for commercial operators. FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for DFW Class B airspace are the primary requirements for most of the city. The Arlington Police Department Aviation Unit operates helicopter patrols and should be notified of extended drone operations. Drone takeoff and landing in Arlington parks requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Department, including River Legacy Park, Vandergriff Park, and Veterans Park. Flights over the Entertainment District (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Six Flags) require coordination with venue security and the Arlington Police Department during events.