Recreational Drones: Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do recreational drones rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Recreational drone operators in Ontario must follow FAA 14 CFR Part 107 and Part 44809 rules and stay out of ONT airport Class C airspace without LAANC authorization.
View full Ontario rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Recreational drone pilots in San Bernardino must follow 49 USC 44809, stay below 400 feet, keep visual line of sight, and register drones over 0.55 pounds. City parks bar takeoff and landing without a permit.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Airspace | ONT Class C; LAANC needed | - |
| Registration | FAA required over 0.55 lb | Required for drones over 0.55 pounds |
| Test | TRUST required for hobbyists | - |
| Altitude | 400 ft AGL max | - |
| Parks | No takeoff without permit | - |
| Max altitude | - | 400 feet above ground level |
| Airport rule | - | LAANC authorization needed near SB International |
| City parks | - | Takeoff and landing prohibited without permit |
| Privacy | - | No recording of people in private activity (Civil Code 1708.8) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Can I fly my drone from my backyard in Ontario?
Only if you check the B4UFLY or Aloft app first. Most of Ontario is inside ONT Class C airspace, so you must obtain LAANC authorization before flying even a small hobby drone.
Does Ontario have its own drone ordinance?
Ontario largely defers to FAA rules but prohibits drone launches or landings in City parks without a permit under OMC Title 14.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can I fly my drone at a San Bernardino city park?
Taking off and landing in a city park requires a special use permit from Parks and Recreation. You may fly over the park from a legal launch location if FAA rules and privacy laws are respected.
Do I need to register my recreational drone?
Yes, if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds. Register on the FAA DroneZone website, pay the 5 dollar fee, and mark the registration number on the drone.
Can I fly near San Bernardino International Airport?
Only with LAANC authorization through an approved app like Aloft or Kittyhawk. The airport lies within controlled Class D airspace with altitude grids, and unauthorized flights can draw FAA enforcement and federal penalties.
Compare other topics
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