Where to Fly Drones in Montana
By Renzo, CPL · Updated March 2026
Everything you need to know about flying drones in Montana (MT). This guide covers Montana's specific drone laws, airspace restrictions, where to fly safely, and where to avoid.
Major Cities
Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman
Key Airspace
Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature
Notable Parks
Glacier, Yellowstone (partial)
Montana Drone Laws & Regulations
In addition to all federal FAA rules (Part 107, TRUST, registration, 400-foot ceiling), Montana has its own state-level drone regulations that every pilot must follow:
- 1Montana limits government drone surveillance (MCA 46-5-109).
- 2Drones are prohibited in all Glacier and Yellowstone NP areas.
State laws can change. Always verify current MT drone regulations before flying. The FAA's B4UFLY app is the best way to check real-time airspace restrictions for your exact location.
Where to Fly Your Drone in Montana
Generally Safe to Fly
- Open fields and rural areas (most of MT)
- Your own private property (below 400 feet AGL)
- Public parks (check local ordinances)
- Beaches (verify local and state rules)
- Designated drone flying fields and clubs
- Agricultural land (with permission)
Best Types of Spots in MT
- Class G airspace away from airports
- AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) flying fields
- State-approved drone parks or testing sites
- Rural county roads and farmland
- Lakeshores and riversides (away from wildlife refuges)
Where NOT to Fly in Montana
Banned Locations
- Glacier (NPS ban on all drones)
- Yellowstone (partial) (NPS ban on all drones)
- Near airports without LAANC authorization
- Military bases and installations
- Active wildfire or emergency scenes
- Over prisons and correctional facilities
Restricted Airspace in MT
- Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature
- Any active TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)
- Within 5 miles of a helipad without checking airspace
- Over stadiums during events (3 NM radius)
- Near nuclear facilities
Flying Drones Near Montana's Major Cities
Billings, MT
Before flying in or near Billings, check the B4UFLY app for airspace classification and LAANC grid ceilings. Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature. Urban areas often have lower LAANC altitude ceilings (50-100 feet) or may require zero-altitude authorization. Look for open spaces, parks, or suburbs outside the core airspace rings for easier flying. Always check for active TFRs from VIP movements or special events.
Missoula, MT
Before flying in or near Missoula, check the B4UFLY app for airspace classification and LAANC grid ceilings. Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature. Urban areas often have lower LAANC altitude ceilings (50-100 feet) or may require zero-altitude authorization. Look for open spaces, parks, or suburbs outside the core airspace rings for easier flying. Always check for active TFRs from VIP movements or special events.
Great Falls, MT
Before flying in or near Great Falls, check the B4UFLY app for airspace classification and LAANC grid ceilings. Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature. Urban areas often have lower LAANC altitude ceilings (50-100 feet) or may require zero-altitude authorization. Look for open spaces, parks, or suburbs outside the core airspace rings for easier flying. Always check for active TFRs from VIP movements or special events.
Bozeman, MT
Before flying in or near Bozeman, check the B4UFLY app for airspace classification and LAANC grid ceilings. Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature. Urban areas often have lower LAANC altitude ceilings (50-100 feet) or may require zero-altitude authorization. Look for open spaces, parks, or suburbs outside the core airspace rings for easier flying. Always check for active TFRs from VIP movements or special events.
LAANC Authorization in Montana
LAANC coverage is available at most controlled airports in Montana. Here's how to use it:
- Download a LAANC-approved app (B4UFLY, Aloft, AirMap, or DJI Fly)
- Check the LAANC grid map for your flight location in MT
- Submit an authorization request at the published ceiling altitude
- Wait for approval (usually instant during facility hours)
- Keep your approval confirmation accessible during the flight
Note: LAANC provides altitudes published in the UAS Facility Map. If you need to fly higher than the published ceiling, you'll need to request a manual authorization through the FAA DroneZone portal, which can take up to 90 days.
Tips for Drone Pilots in Montana
Check Weather Conditions
Montana weather can change rapidly. Check wind speeds, precipitation, and visibility before every flight. Wind gusts above 20 mph make flying most consumer drones unsafe.
Get Proper Insurance
Drone liability insurance is strongly recommended in Montana, especially for commercial pilots. Many clients require $1M+ coverage. Options include SkyWatch, Verifly, and DroneInsurance.com.
Respect Privacy
Montana residents take privacy seriously. Avoid flying over private property, backyards, and residential areas. Many MT complaints to the FAA involve privacy concerns.
Join Local Drone Communities
Connect with Montana drone pilots through local FPV groups, AMA chapters, and Facebook communities. They know the best spots and can warn about local enforcement trends.
Flying Commercially in Montana? Get Your Part 107
You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate to fly drones commercially in Montana. Rotate has 500+ practice questions to help you pass on the first attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions — Drones in Montana
Do I need a license to fly a drone in Montana?
Yes. If you fly commercially in Montana, you need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational pilots must pass the free TRUST test and register drones over 0.55 lbs. Montana limits government drone surveillance (MCA 46-5-109).
Can I fly a drone in Billings?
You can fly in Billings, but you must check airspace restrictions first. Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature. Use the B4UFLY or Aloft app to check if your location requires LAANC authorization before launching.
Where are the best places to fly drones in Montana?
Great spots include open fields, rural areas, beaches (check local rules), and designated drone parks. Avoid Glacier, Yellowstone (partial) (NPS bans drones). State parks may allow drones with permits — check with MT state parks department.
Can I fly a drone in Montana state parks?
It depends on the specific park. Montana state parks generally require you to check with park management before flying. Some allow recreational drones in open areas; others ban them entirely. National parks in Montana (Glacier, Yellowstone (partial)) always ban drones.
What are Montana's specific drone laws?
Montana limits government drone surveillance (MCA 46-5-109). Drones are prohibited in all Glacier and Yellowstone NP areas. These state laws apply in addition to all federal FAA regulations including Part 107, TRUST, registration, 400-foot altitude limits, and LAANC requirements in controlled airspace.
Do I need LAANC authorization to fly in Montana?
Only if you're flying in controlled airspace. Class D near BIL, BZN; limited controlled airspace due to rural nature. If your planned flight is in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, you don't need LAANC. Use the B4UFLY app to check before every flight.