Commercial drone operations in Columbus require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Ohio law permits commercial drone use for agriculture, real estate, surveying, and other purposes. Commercial operators near John Glenn Columbus International Airport must obtain LAANC authorization. The city does not require an additional local drone permit for commercial operations.
FAA Part 107 certification requires passing a knowledge test covering airspace, weather, regulations, and operations. Commercial operators must maintain visual line of sight, fly below 400 feet AGL (or within 400 feet of a structure), and operate only during daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting. Night operations require a waiver or updated Part 107 provisions. Columbus does not impose additional local permitting requirements.
Operating commercially without a Part 107 certificate carries federal civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation. Operating in restricted airspace without authorization may result in criminal charges.
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