Flying Safely and Responsibly in Fort Wayne: Know the Drone Ordinance Before You Take Flight!

For those looking to enjoy the amazing aerial views of Fort Wayne, Indiana, it’s important to be aware of the city’s ordinance for drone operations. The City of Fort Wayne has a municipal code, Section 96.30, which requires drone pilots to notify the city before flight in certain areas. Specifically, the ordinance requires notification of flights above the Downtown Aerial District (a circular area over downtown with a radius of 5500 feet from the 100 block of W Main St), or within 500 yards of a city-permitted public event such as a festival, block party or parade. To determine whether an event has been issued a city permit requiring drone flight notification, contact the City Right-of-Way Department at 260-427-6155 or rightofway@cityoffortwayne.org. Notification is easily accomplished with a simple online form completed from your mobile phone or tablet here: https://eforms.acfw.net/iFiller/iFiller.jsp?fref=3d8bd7b4-32da-4f7e-b5c7-4c0c7c26d82b. (Windows computer users can download free Formatta forms software to complete the notification form here: http://www2.formatta.com/download/download.asp?itype=F.) The Fort Wayne Police Department is responsible for enforcing the ordinance, which has been in effect since 1993 and has been amended several times since then. Violations can range from a warning, citation and/or the impoundment of drone equipment for up to three (3) business days, with a fine of not less than $150 or more than $500 for each offense. It’s important to remember that the ordinance does not constitute an approval process. Drone pilots are encouraged to know the laws and regulations for legal and safe commercial or non-commercial flight operations, as the ordinance also prohibits any drone flights that are conducted in an unsafe manner. Flying a drone in Fort Wayne can be a great way to capture some amazing aerial views. Just make sure you know the ordinances and fly safely and responsibly.