You can fly a drone in Nashville, but downtown is close to off-limits for hobbyists. Nashville International Airport (BNA) puts much of the city in controlled airspace, Metro Parks allows model aircraft only at three designated fields with an annual permit, and Tennessee law restricts drone filming of events with more than 100 people and flying over fireworks. Lower Broadway's crowds make most downtown flights illegal for recreational pilots.
Airspace
- Nashville International (BNA) has controlled airspace that covers much of the metro area, including downtown.
- John C. Tune Airport west of downtown adds more controlled airspace.
- Stadium TFRs. FAA restrictions apply around Nissan Stadium during NFL games.
- Helicopters from hospitals, police and news outlets fly over the city.
Check B4UFLY or Aloft, and request LAANC authorization in controlled airspace.
Can you fly downtown?
Rarely. Lower Broadway, the Gulch and the riverfront are packed with people, and recreational pilots can't fly over them. You'd need a launch spot on private property with permission, LAANC authorization, and an area clear of crowds and events. Commercial shoots are usually planned with property owners and may need a city film permit.
Metro Parks
The Metro Code doesn't have a drone section of its own, but Metro Parks Board policy 3000.13 covers model aircraft. Model aircraft are allowed only with a Metro Parks model aircraft permit and only in designated areas:
- Fields: Edwin Warner Park, Cane Ridge Park and Peeler Park, during posted hours.
- Permit: an annual fee of $40 for residents or $48 for non-residents, proof of $300,000 in liability insurance (an AMA card or homeowners' policy can count) and a copy of your driver's license.
- Everywhere else, including Centennial Park and the Cumberland River greenways, plan on no drone flights unless Metro Parks approves your plan in writing.
Flying at Edwin Warner Park stops during permitted special events.
Tennessee drone laws
- Surveillance. Using a drone to capture images of people or private property for surveillance without consent is a crime, and sharing those images is a more serious offense.
- Big events. Capturing images of an open-air event with more than 100 people is prohibited without the organizer's consent. That covers concerts, festivals and game days.
- Fireworks. Flying over a fireworks display area during the show is prohibited, which matters on July 4th and New Year's Eve.
- Critical infrastructure. Flying near critical infrastructure to surveil it is a crime.
- Hunting and fishing. Using a drone to interfere with lawful hunters or anglers is prohibited.
See Tennessee drone laws for statute numbers.
State and federal land nearby
- Tennessee state parks, such as Radnor Lake State Park, generally don't allow drones without permission.
- Natchez Trace Parkway is a National Park Service unit, so drones are banned there.
- Army Corps of Engineers lakes like Percy Priest and Old Hickory have their own rules. Check with the lake office.
Before you fly
- Pass the TRUST test, or get Part 107 for paid work.
- Register drones of 250 g or more.
- Get LAANC approval where required.
- Avoid crowds, events and fireworks.
Recommended drones
For a city with tall buildings and wires, obstacle sensing matters. The DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro have omnidirectional sensing at 249 g. The DJI Neo is a simple option for selfie clips on private property.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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