Commercial drone operators across Hampshire County follow FAA 14 CFR Part 107: hold a Remote Pilot Certificate, register the aircraft, fly below 400 feet, and keep visual line of sight. Neither the county nor towns can license or ground a lawful flight.
Any drone flight for business in Hampshire County, from real estate photos in Northampton to roof inspections in Amherst or farm mapping in Hadley, falls under FAA 14 CFR Part 107. Section 107.12 requires the person at the controls to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a small UAS rating, or to fly under the direct supervision of a certificated remote pilot. Operators register the aircraft, stay below 400 feet, keep visual line of sight, and obtain LAANC authorization in the controlled airspace reaching the county from Westover Air Reserve Base and Barnes Regional Airport. Northampton Airport (7B2) is a small untowered field to avoid.
The FAA enforces Part 107, with civil penalties reaching tens of thousands of dollars for flying commercially without a Remote Pilot Certificate.
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See how Hampshire County's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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