Commercial drone pilots operating in the Town of Babylon must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for Class D airspace around Republic Airport (FRG). Babylon requires a separate Town film or commercial-activity permit for operations on Town property.
All commercial drone operations in the Town of Babylon are governed by 14 CFR Part 107 (FAA Small UAS rule), which requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, aircraft registration (for drones weighing 0.55 lbs or more), Remote ID compliance (effective March 2024), and adherence to altitude and visual line-of-sight limits. Much of Babylon lies within the Class D airspace surrounding Republic Airport (KFRG) in East Farmingdale, requiring LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization before any commercial flight. NY State law (NY General Municipal Law and NY Penal Law §250.35) prohibits use of drones for unlawful surveillance. The Town of Babylon further restricts launch and landing from Town-owned parks, beaches, and marinas (Chapter 144, Parks and Recreation) without a Special Events or Film Permit from the Parks Department. Drone photography over Fire Island National Seashore to the south is additionally subject to NPS prohibitions.
FAA civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation under 49 USC §46301. Town park violations: fines up to $250 under Chapter 144. NY Penal Law §250.35 unlawful surveillance: misdemeanor charges.
Babylon, NY
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Babylon, NY
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Babylon, NY
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Babylon, NY
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Babylon, NY
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Babylon, NY
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