Aerial Imagery in Centerton, AR

Airports & LAANC Zones

• XNA — Northwest Arkansas National Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 8 NM southwest near Highfill)
• VBT — Bentonville Municipal Airport/Louise M. Thaden Field (Class E airspace, approximately 4 NM south in Bentonville)
• ROG — Rogers Executive Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 7 NM east)
• FYV — Drake Field Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 18 NM south in Fayetteville)

Restricted Airspace

• Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Class D airspace extends to 4.3 nautical miles from the airport center. LAANC authorization required for commercial drone operations within this radius. The XNA Class D shelf sits at 2,500 feet MSL up to 5,000 feet MSL. Centerton is approximately 8 NM northeast of XNA, placing portions of the southwestern edge of the city within or near the Class D outer shelf.
• Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT/Louise M. Thaden Field) is approximately 4 nautical miles south in Bentonville. While it does not have controlled Class D airspace, FAA Part 107 requires notification to the airport manager for drone operations within 5 NM. VBT has active general aviation traffic including corporate aircraft and flight training, creating approach and departure corridors that overlap southern Centerton.
• Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith (approximately 85 NM south) has restricted airspace that does not extend into Benton County. However, TFRs for military training operations can occasionally affect the broader NWA region. Check NOTAMs before flying.
• Table Rock Lake and the Ozark National Forest to the east and south are federally managed areas. Commercial drone takeoff and landing on US Army Corps of Engineers property around Table Rock Lake requires a special use permit. The Ozark National Forest may restrict commercial drone operations on US Forest Service land.
• The Bentonville school district campuses and the Centerton-Fayetteville Road corridor have high pedestrian and vehicle traffic during school hours. FAA Part 107 prohibits flying directly over non-participants. The Centerton Splash Pad and Veteran's Memorial Park are city-owned properties where commercial drone takeoff and landing requires authorization from Centerton Parks and Recreation.

Local Ordinances

Centerton is governed by Arkansas state drone law (Act 819 of 2019) with local regulations limited by Ark. Code Ann. § 14-361-120, which preempts municipalities from regulating drone flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Centerton may require permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks and public facilities. Centerton Parks and Recreation manages the Centerton Splash Pad, Veteran's Memorial Park, and the Centerton Community Center, where commercial drone operations require prior authorization. Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT/Louise M. Thaden Field) is approximately 4 NM south and requires drone operators to coordinate with the airport manager for flights within 5 nautical miles. XNA Class D airspace LAANC authorization is mandatory for commercial operations in the southwestern portion of the city near the Highfill approach. The Centerton Planning Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the city zoning ordinance. The rapidly growing residential subdivisions along Centerton Boulevard and Highway 102 require careful coordination with active construction sites and school bus routes.