Commercial Drones: Midway City vs Santa Ana
How do commercial drones rules compare between Midway City, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Midway City and Santa Ana have similar restriction levels.
Midway City, CA
Orange County
Commercial drone operations in unincorporated Orange County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. County parks remain off-limits for commercial flights without Director approval. LAANC authorization is required near John Wayne Airport's controlled airspace.
View full Midway City rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Commercial drone operations in Santa Ana require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must follow Part 107 rules including flying below 400 feet, maintaining visual line of sight, and not flying over people without a waiver. Due to proximity to John Wayne Airport, LAANC authorization is required for flights in controlled airspace.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| License | FAA Part 107 required | - |
| Registration | All commercial drones | - |
| Parks | Banned without Director OK | - |
| Privacy Law | CA Civil Code §1708.8 | - |
| Certificate | - | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate |
| Airspace | - | LAANC required near John Wayne Airport |
| Altitude | - | Below 400 feet AGL |
| Over People | - | Requires waiver unless upgraded drone category |
| Night Flight | - | Permitted with anti-collision lighting |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Midway City FAQ
What license do I need for commercial drone work in Orange County?
You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Pass the aeronautical knowledge test, register your drone with the FAA, and obtain LAANC authorization if flying near John Wayne Airport.
Can I use a drone for commercial photography in OC Parks?
Not without specific approval from the OC Parks Director. Section 2-5-42 bans all drone operations in county parks, beaches, and recreational areas. Contact OC Parks for special event or filming permits.
Santa Ana FAQ
What do I need for commercial drone operations in Santa Ana?
You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, FAA drone registration, and LAANC authorization for flights in controlled airspace near John Wayne Airport.
Can I fly a drone for business purposes over people in Santa Ana?
Flying over people requires either an FAA waiver or use of a drone meeting the updated Part 107 category requirements for operations over people.
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