Part 107 in Tennessee: Smokies and Memphis
Great Smoky Mountains National Park prohibits drones, and Memphis has Class B airspace around one of the busiest cargo airports. What Tennessee pilots plan for.
Tennessee's two Part 107 landmarks sit at opposite ends of the state. In the east, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a National Park Service unit, prohibits drones. In the west, Memphis has Class B airspace around its airport, home to the FedEx hub and heavy overnight cargo traffic.
This guide focuses on what makes flying in Tennessee different. State and local rules on privacy, trespass and parks still apply, and the Part 107 rules apply everywhere.
Can you fly in the Smokies?
Generally no. Under National Park Service Policy Memorandum 14-05, park superintendents use 36 CFR 1.5 to prohibit launching, landing or operating drones on park lands and waters, with limited exceptions; see the NPS policy. A Part 107 certificate does not change that.
How do you fly near Memphis?
Flights in the Class B need prior authorization under §107.41, usually through LAANC. Cargo traffic peaks overnight, so twilight and night flights need the anti-collision lighting and training in §107.29; the civil twilight calculator shows the windows.
What other airspace matters?
Nashville has Class C airspace.
What this means for the exam
Tennessee-specific rules are not on the FAA knowledge test, which covers federal rules only. The federal topics here, airspace authorization, restricted areas, weather limits and performance, are.
Other states are compared in the state drone laws guide.
The free diagnostic scores you on the five FAA exam areas in 20 questions.
Check your Part 107 knowledgeFree diagnostic
Reading about drones is one thing. Passing the Part 107 test is another. See where you stand.
Take the free 10-minute diagnostic