Commercial drone operations in DeKalb require FAA Part 107 certification plus LAANC authorization for PDK and Hartsfield-Jackson controlled airspace that covers most of the county.
Commercial drone operators flying in DeKalb County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (renewable every 24 months). Because nearly all of DeKalb falls within controlled airspace associated with PDK (Class D) or Hartsfield-Jackson (Class B), LAANC pre-flight authorization is required for virtually every commercial flight. Common commercial uses include real-estate marketing for Brookhaven and Dunwoody luxury listings, Emory and CDC campus inspections, roofing inspections after Georgia storm season, and media production. Flights over people, night operations, and beyond-visual-line-of-sight require Part 107 waivers. Filming on county property or in parks requires a separate DeKalb film/parks permit.
Operating without Part 107: FAA civil penalties up to $32,666. Unauthorized airspace entry near PDK or ATL: federal criminal penalties. County permit violations: $100 to $1,000.
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