Can You Fly a Drone in US National Forest Lands?

Can you fly a drone at US National Forest Lands? This is an often-asked question from new remote pilots interested in capturing the beauty of national forests in the US. The answer is yes, but you may need a special permit depending on whether you use drone footage for recreational vs. commercial purposes.

If you are using your drone footage for commercial purposes, then you must obtain Commercial Filming and Still Photography Special Use Permit. The application process is quite involved. You will have to submit your Special Use Permit proposal (form SF-299) and pay potentially multiple fees.

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► If you prefer reading, we wrote a blog post on this topic at: https://blokhinfilms.com/2023/09/20/f...

► Get certified as a RECREATIONAL drone pilot (TRUST exam):    • How to Pass the FAA TRUST Recreational Dro...  
► Study guide about how to obtain Part 107 exam license on a budget:    • How to Pass the FAA Part 107 Exam | 2025 S...  

► FREE Useful tutorials to prepare for the FAA Part 107 exam:    • FAA Part 107 Exam  

► Example of guidelines from US National Forest service in Kentucky (similar for other states): https://landbetweenthelakes.us/wp-con...

► FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) list: https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Recreational Drone Flight in US National Forest
00:37 - Commercial Drone Flight in US National Forest
01:13 - What is Commercial Use?
01:45 - Drone Flight Rules at US National Forest Land
03:01 - Commercial Filming and Still Photography Special Use Permit Process

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