Production planning / Las Vegas
Las Vegas Strip
drone permitting guide.
A working checklist for producers planning aerial footage on or near the Strip. Start with the exact address, flight area, launch site, date and shot list. Those details determine which agencies and property teams need to be involved.
Reviewed September 25, 2026 · Requirements can change. Confirm current conditions with the agencies linked below for every shoot.
01 / Start with the address
The Strip is not one permitting jurisdiction.
A Las Vegas mailing address does not tell you whether a location is inside the City of Las Vegas. Much of the Strip is in unincorporated Clark County; downtown locations can fall under the City. Check the exact property and launch/landing address before preparing a permit application. A shot spanning several locations may involve more than one authority.
02 / FAA flight authorization
Check the flight area, not just the camera position.
Controlled airspace around airports requires FAA authorization before a Part 107 flight. LAANC may be available for an eligible request; other requests go through FAA DroneZone. A UAS Facility Map altitude is planning information, not permission to fly. The approved altitude, time, geographic area and any conditions govern the actual operation.
Night flights and operations over people or moving vehicles have separate Part 107 requirements. Some can be conducted without a waiver when the aircraft and operation meet the applicable rule; others require a different plan or approval. Do not assume a standard night waiver or a blanket Strip authorization covers a proposed shot. Check current flight restrictions and nearby events again before the flight.
FAA: LAANC and airspace authorization ↗ · FAA: UAS Facility Maps ↗
03 / Filming and property access
Airspace approval does not grant ground access.
Clarify the launch and landing site, crew position, camera direction, property access, pedestrian control and any use of sidewalks or streets. Clark County handles film permits for unincorporated county locations; the City of Las Vegas has its own filming process. Private casino or resort property requires coordination with its owner or production contact. Public right-of-way, traffic control and special events can add separate requirements.
Register a qualifying Nevada production with Film Nevada and confirm the applicable local film permit with the issuing office. The City’s published guidance distinguishes launch from commercial private property from launch on city property or public right-of-way; verify the exact facts with the City. Fees, lead times and insurance documentation should be checked for your shoot, since they can change.
Clark County film permits ↗ · City of Las Vegas film permits ↗ · City drone filming guidance ↗
04 / Send a useful brief
What Jim needs to assess the shoot.
- Exact property addresses and preferred takeoff and landing areas
- Proposed date, time window, day or night coverage and weather alternative
- Shot list, flight path, altitude needs and reference frames
- People, vehicles, sidewalks, streets and events near the route
- Property contacts and any approvals already obtained
- Camera format, lenses, delivery needs and whether a dedicated camera operator is required
Area 51 Drones has flown at major Strip properties and at Sphere. Jim can discuss a location-specific flight plan and production package; prior work does not imply that a new flight is automatically authorized. Read the Sphere waypoint and RTK story ↗
Primary sources
Check the current requirements.
Plan the aerials
Have an address and shot list?
Send the details to Jim Kegley. He can discuss the operating plan, crew and published Inspire 3 rates for your production.