2 rules for unincorporated Essex County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Recreational drone flying across Essex County follows federal FAA rules, not a county code. Fly under 400 feet, within sight, pass the free TRUST test, and register any drone over 0.55 pounds.
49 USC 44809
(1) The aircraft is flown strictly for recreational purposes. ... (3) The aircraft is flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft or a visual observer co-located and in direct communication with the operator.
Commercial drone work anywhere in Essex County runs under the FAA's Part 107 rule. Massachusetts adds no county permit; operators hold a Remote Pilot Certificate and register each aircraft.
14 CFR Part 107
With vision that is unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, the remote pilot in command, the visual observer (if one is used), and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small unmanned aircraft system must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight
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