Hi Sam,
The airport across the street from the meadows outside Chama is called Eastside (FAA identifier is NM24). It is a private facility with a 3000 ft. RW 1-19. In the past, I have personally seen the airport used by a Pilatus PC-12 turbo-prop aircraft and yes, it would not be permissible to operate an RPA ("drone") within 5 miles of that airport without the permission of the airport owner, even below 400 ft. AGL. The reason is (of course) because arriving/departing aircraft would have to be below 400 AGL in order to land/take off from there. Needless to say, a collision with an RPA (windshield, prop, engine intake) could cause a pilot incapacitation or an engine failure. Even with the permission of the airport owner, there should be a Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) published, to indicate where and when the operation will take place, so that aviators will be aware of it. Essentially, that means it is unlikely that an airport owner can just grant "blanket" permission for someone to operate, unless there is a semi-permanent NOTAM for the airport, announcing such operations are regularly conducted there.
At a very minimum, "drone" owners should read this.
BTW, in addition to airports, there are areas called Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRA) such as the Washington, DC area, where the restriction area is much wider. There can also be Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that spring up for things such as major public events (Super Bowl, Political Conventions, etc) and visits by VIPs such as the President. Get caught flying an RPA within 30 miles of the POTUS, and the US Secret Service will likely greet you with the guns out.
/Kevin
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/06/2015 02:46PM by KevinM.