Commercial drone operators in unincorporated San Diego County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. County property requires permits. Operators must carry insurance and indemnify the County. LAANC authorization required near airports.
Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must comply with all Part 107 rules: fly below 400 feet, daylight/civil twilight only (without waiver), yield to manned aircraft, and not fly over people without appropriate category compliance. Operations on County property require permits from the relevant department. Operators must carry liability insurance and agree to indemnify the County. LAANC authorization is needed for flights in controlled airspace near airports. Waivers may be obtained from the FAA for operations outside standard Part 107 limitations. Real estate photography, construction monitoring, and agricultural surveys are common commercial uses in the unincorporated area.
Operating commercially without Part 107 certification may result in FAA enforcement action including civil penalties up to $27,500 per violation.
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