Flying in Vegas
Checklist
Are you a Part 107 Pilot or are you operating as a recreational pilot under 44809?
If you are a Part 107 pilot you will need your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
If you are a recreational pilot you will need your certificate that shows that you have passed the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test)
Where do you want to fly?
This is the first question you need to ask because it determines what approvals, waivers, permits, etc. you will need, and who you may need to notify before you fly.
Are you going to be flying over people or moving vehicles?
If you are going to be flying over people you will need a waiver for Section 107.39—Operation over people.
If you are going to be flying over moving vehicles you will need a waiver of Section 107.145—Operations over moving vehicles
See this page for a list of all Part 107 regulations subject to waiver. There is no waiver process for recreational pilots operating under 44809.
LAANC
If you are in controlled airspace you will need to get LAANCE approval. For much of the controlled airspace, you can get your LAANC approval in near real-time through a LAANC application on your phone. If you are in a "Zero Grid", or you want to fly higher than the auto-approval altitude for the grid you want to fly in, you will need to get your LAANC approval through the FAA website at FAADroneZone.
Are there any Temporary Flight Restrictions in effect?
TFRs are common in Las Vegas. They can routinely extend for thirty (30) miles when there is a sporting event at Allegiant Stadium to fifty (50) miles when a VIP, such as the President of the United States, comes to Sin City. TFW wavers are possible but need to be justified well in advance of your projected flight date. Check the FAA TFR map and/or the TFR List before you fly.
Are there any NOTAMs in your flight area?
You can check for NOTAMs on the FAA website here.
The state of Nevada, as well as Clark County, and the cities around Las Vegas may require a film permit depending on where you fly and the type of your filming production. Check this page for more information.
Do you want to take pictures or video of a business with policies restricting photography?
Las Vegas businesses with drone (pictures and video) restrictive policies
Who owns the sidewalks?
Although taking off and landing on a busy sidewalk is never a good idea if you find a deserted sidewalk and need to get the property owner's approval (maybe because your film permit says you need to get the property owner's permission) you can find out who that property owner is by checking out these maps.
Do you need a Land Surveyor's License to do Land Surveying with a drone?
This article examines the use of Drones in Land Surveying and mapping, differentiating the roles and responsibilities of the Land Surveyor from that of the UAS operator. While these roles may appear to overlap, each has its own set of laws, rules, and regulations.
More information on Nevada State licensing can be found at The Nevada Board of Engineers and Land Surveyors (NVBPELS) website.
Are you within a horizontal distance of 500 feet or a vertical distance of 250 feet from any "critical facility" as defined by NRS 493.020 or the Division of Emergency Management Homeland Security?
You can notify them before you fly via email or you can show them your approvals when they roll a patrol car to your location while you are flying.
They are going to want to see:
Your Pilot Certification (Part 107) or TRUST Certificate.
Your LAANC approval (Date, time, location, altitude).
Your TFR waver if in a TFR area.
Your film permit, if required.
The property owner's approval, if required.
Critical infrastructure waver if flying over or near critical facilities.