Know Before You Fly: Drone Regulations in New Mexico, Ruidoso, and Lincoln National Forest

Operating a drone in New Mexico, including areas like the Village of Ruidoso and the Lincoln National Forest, requires adherence to federal, state, and local regulations to ensure safety and legality. By adhering to these guidelines and staying updated on any regulatory changes, you can ensure safe and responsible drone operations in New Mexico.

Federal Regulations:

• Recreational Use: Hobbyists must pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of passage. Drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (250g) must be registered with the FAA. Operators should fly below 400 feet, maintain visual line-of-sight, and avoid restricted areas such as airports and stadiums. 

• Commercial Use: Commercial pilots are required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA’s Part 107 exam and adhere to all Part 107 regulations. 

Source: https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-new-mexico

New Mexico State Regulations:

• Unwanted Surveillance: State law prohibits the use of drones for unwanted surveillance, protecting individuals’ privacy rights. 

• Wildlife and Hunting: It’s illegal to use drones to harass or assist in the hunting of protected species. 

Source: https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-new-mexico

Lincoln National Forest:

• General Use: Drone operations are generally permitted in National Forests, including Lincoln National Forest, provided you follow FAA regulations and any specific forest guidelines. 

• Wilderness Areas: Launching, landing, or operating drones in designated Wilderness Areas within the forest is prohibited, as motorized equipment is not allowed in these zones. 

Source: https://www.dronepilotgroundschool.com/kb/can-i-fly-my-drone-in-a-national-forest

Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fseprd578984

Village of Ruidoso:

• Local Guidelines: While there are no specific local ordinances regarding drone use in Ruidoso, it’s crucial to avoid flying near emergency response efforts, such as wildfires. Drones can interfere with firefighting operations, and flying in these areas is both dangerous and illegal. 

Source: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/citizens-are-reminded-to-not-fly-drones-near-wildfires

Best Practices:

• Stay Informed: Always check for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) before flying, especially during wildfire seasons. 

Source: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/santafe/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fseprd578984

• Respect Privacy: Avoid flying over private properties or areas where there is an expectation of privacy without permission.

• Wildlife Considerations: Do not disturb wildlife with your drone; maintain a respectful distance to prevent stress or harm to animals.