Commercial drone operations in Washington are governed by FAA Part 107, with state law adding criminal liability for invasive uses and limited authority over state-owned land.
Federal FAA Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107) governs all commercial drone operations and preempts state and local rules on airspace, equipment, and pilot certification. Operators must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, register the aircraft, fly below 400 feet, maintain visual line of sight, and obtain waivers for night, beyond-visual-line-of-sight, or over-people operations. Washington's RCW 14.20 establishes some state-level oversight for unmanned aircraft and authorizes the Department of Transportation aviation division to coordinate with FAA. State agencies operating drones must comply with RCW 43.41 transparency requirements. Local jurisdictions retain authority to regulate ground-based activities like takeoff zones and commercial filming permits.
FAA Part 107 violations carry civil penalties up to $27,500 per occurrence and criminal fines up to $250,000 with up to 3 years imprisonment for knowing violations. State voyeurism and trespass charges may also apply.
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