About Reno+
Arts & Culture+
Reno Arts and Culture Factsheet
City Art Galleries
Reno Municipal Band
Reno Poet Laureate
Reno Flag Project
Reno Direct+
Reno Direct FAQs
Sustainability+
Bicycling Around Reno
ReEnergize Reno
STAR Communities
Your Neighborhood+
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)-
UAS Pilot Program
UAS TCL4
UAS UTM
UAS Media Requests
UAS Testing Program Feedback
The regulation and operation of UAS, also known as drones, is exclusively under the authority of the FAA, and there is limited infrastructure available to manage the widespread expansion of drone operations.
As such, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); local, state, and tribal governments; and private sector entities on a variety of testing programs to develop policies and programs to facilitate the safe integration of drones into the National Airspace System (NAS).
The programs are focused on:
Identifying ways to balance local and national interests related to drone integration
Establishing infrastructure to enable and safely manage the widespread use of low-altitude airspace and drone operations
Addressing safety, security and privacy risks related to drone operations
Providing a systematic approach for collecting and reporting community input and concerns back to the FAA
The City of Reno is currently participating in three drone testing programs. Participation allows residents to provide input that will be utilized to determine policy and regulations related to the safe integration of drones. The City of Reno is the only city in the country involved in all three of these testing programs.
Learn more about each of these programs
FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP)
In May of 2018, the City of Reno was selected to participate in the FAA's UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) which partners the FAA with local government entities and private operators to look at processes to accelerate the safe integration of drones into NAS. Unless extended, this program will continue until October of 2020.
FAA - UAS Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Pilot Program (UPP)
In January of 2019, the FAA selected the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems (NIAS) to participate in their UAS Traffic Management (UTM) Pilot Program (UPP) which is working to develop a safe and efficient UTM to ensure that the UAS industry is able to integrate into the NAS safely and efficiently. The City of Reno is a partner in this program and will help facilitate testing in the downtown Reno area.
NASA - UAS Technical Capability Level (TCL) 4
On February of 2019, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected NIAS to participate in the UTM Technical Capability Level (TCL) 4 operation that will test flying in higher-density urban areas. The City of Reno is a partner in this program and will help facilitate testing in the downtown Reno area.
Downtown Reno - June 14-20, 23-25
Street closure: Lake Street from 1st to 2nd Street from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Some pedestrian restrictions from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
City Plaza restricted to only NIAS use and fenced off to the general public on all of the days listed above.
No City vehicles will be permitted to park at the City Plaza during this time.
No flying on June 21 (Cycle Nation) and June 22 (Reno Rodeo Parade) on the City Plaza.
Chism Street - June 14-July 2
Street closure: Chism Street from Dickerson to 2nd Street.
NIAS is responsible for maintaining City of Reno road closure street signs.
Idlewild Park - June 26-28* and July 1-2 and contingency flying on July 3
Street closure: Mastroianni Drive from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
*Flying times restricted until 1 p.m. on June 28 due to Food Truck Fridays special event.
No flying on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30.
FAA UAS Website
FAA UAS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAA Airspace Restrictions
State of Nevada FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site
Looking to keep up with news and information about the City of Reno's involvement in UAS testing programs?
NIAS and NASA to resume drone testing in downtown Reno
NIAS and NASA to conduct drone testing in downtown Reno
Flirtey and City of Reno receive FAA approval for drone delivery beyond visual line of sight
FAA-Designated Nevada UAS Test Site Selected For 2019 NASA Unmanned Traffic Management Capstone Operation
City of Reno and Flirtey complete first flights under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Drone Integration Pilot Program
Reno selected to participate in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program
FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program Announcement
Flirtey Launches First Emergency Drone Delivery Program in U.S.
Drones will deliver defibrillators to 911 callers to help treat cardiac arrest
Tells us what you think
We welcome input and participation from Washoe County residents. Please visit the links below:
Provide general feedback or comments regarding the City of Reno UAS testing involvement
Sign up to receive regular updates via email
Members of the news media can use our media request form to submit an inquiry regarding the UAS testing programs that are occurring with the City of Reno.