Can my kid fly a drone in McKinney, TX?

Short answer: Yes, but McKinney has its own airport with a control tower, so checking the map comes first.

Airspace near you

Central and southeast McKinney sit inside McKinney National Airport's controlled airspace. Downtown, LAANC can approve flights up to 400 feet. Right next to the airport, the FAA's map allows 0 feet through LAANC, so plan on flying elsewhere. West and north McKinney showed no controlled airspace at ground level. Check your address on B4UFLY.

Where to practice

Simulator first, then a wide open field away from the airport side of town. Ask McKinney Parks and Recreation before flying in a city park.

Before the first flight, anywhere in DFW

1. Pass the TRUST test. It's free, online, and required by law for every recreational flyer. Carry proof when you fly. (FAA)
2. Register it if it weighs 250 grams or more. $5, good for three years. Owners must be 13 or older; if your child is under 13, a parent registers it. (FAA)
3. Stay at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, and keep the drone where you can see it. (FAA)
4. Near an airport? Get permission first. Controlled airspace needs FAA authorization through LAANC before takeoff. The free B4UFLY app shows what's around you. (FAA)
5. Know the Texas extras. Texas law bans flying under 400 feet over critical infrastructure, correctional facilities and stadiums with 30,000+ seats, and taking pictures of people or private property to surveil them. (Tex. Gov't Code ch. 423)

FAQ

• Can my kid fly near the airport? Only with FAA authorization through LAANC, and never near planes taking off or landing.
• How high can they go? 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace. In controlled airspace, only as high as the authorization allows.
• Do they need to carry anything? Proof of their TRUST certificate, and the registration if the drone needs it.

Nearby: Flying in Allen · Flying in Prosper · All DFW cities