Aerial Imagery in Fort Worth, TX

Airports & LAANC Zones

• DFW — Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (Class B, 15 miles northeast — LAANC required for northern Fort Worth)
• AFW — Fort Worth Alliance Airport (cargo hub, 20 miles north — high traffic volume)
• FTW — Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (general aviation, 5 miles north, uncontrolled Class E)
• GSW — Fort Worth Spinks Airport (general aviation, 12 miles south, uncontrolled Class E)

Restricted Airspace

• Class B airspace around DFW International — extends 15 nautical miles, surface to 10,000 ft MSL. Northern Fort Worth falls within DFW Class B shelves. LAANC authorization required for all commercial drone flights north of I-820 and Loop 820.
• Fort Worth Alliance Airport (AFW) — cargo hub with heavy freight traffic. While not Class B, the volume of cargo operations creates significant drone flight hazards. Avoid flights within 3 nautical miles during peak cargo hours (early morning and late evening).
• Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth (NAS JRB) — located 5 miles west in White Settlement. Military restricted airspace (R-2301) covers the base and surrounding area. LAANC authorization and DoD coordination required for flights within 5 nautical miles.
• AT&T Stadium (Cowboys) and Globe Life Field (Rangers) — stadium TFRs during events prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL. Both venues are in Arlington, 10 miles east, but TFRs can extend into eastern Fort Worth.
• Trinity River and Panther Island project — while not formal restricted airspace, the Trinity River Vision/ Panther Island project area has active construction zones with crane operations. Drone flights over construction sites require coordination with the general contractor per FAA Part 107.39.
• Texas Motor Speedway — located 15 miles north in Justin, TX. Stadium TFRs during NASCAR and IndyCar events prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL.
• Clearfork and Walsh Ranch construction zones — active heavy equipment and crane operations. Data collection flights over these MPC sites should be coordinated with site managers and safety officers.
• Severe weather: Fort Worth is in the heart of Tornado Alley. Spring thunderstorms (April-June) can produce tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Post-storm data collection work (roof inspections, hail damage documentation) is a significant aerial imaging use case but requires careful weather monitoring. Summer heat (100+ degrees F) limits flight windows to early morning and evening.

Local Ordinances

Fort Worth 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. The Fort Worth Police Department Aviation Unit operates helicopters from Meacham Field and should be notified of extended drone operations in the downtown and Trinity River corridor. Commercial filming on city property requires a permit through the Fort Worth Film Commission. Drone takeoff and landing in Fort Worth parks requires a special use permit from the Parks and Recreation Department, including Trinity Park, Heritage Park, and Log Cabin Village. Flights over the Stockyards National Historic District should be coordinated with the Stockyards Heritage Development Co.