Commercial drone operations in Boston require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and LAANC authorization for controlled airspace near Logan Airport. Additional permits may be needed from the city for operations over public property. Commercial operators must carry liability insurance and comply with privacy and safety requirements.
Commercial drone operations in Boston require operators to hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Given Boston's Class B airspace surrounding Logan Airport, all commercial flights require LAANC authorization specifying approved altitudes and locations. Operators must maintain visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet AGL (unless authorized by airspace waiver), and not fly over people or moving vehicles without a Part 107 waiver. Commercial operations over city property or during public events require coordination with the Boston Police Department and may need event permits. Real estate photography, construction monitoring, and film/media productions using drones need appropriate city film permits from the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Commercial operators should carry a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance. Night operations require anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. Operations beyond visual line of sight require a specific Part 107 waiver from the FAA.
Operating commercially without Part 107 certification carries FAA civil penalties up to $27,500. Unauthorized flights in controlled airspace can result in enforcement action including certificate suspension. Failure to obtain required city permits results in enforcement by BPD. Privacy violations may trigger state wiretapping charges.
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