Kent, WA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial, paid, or business-purpose drone flights in Kent are governed by 14 CFR Part 107 (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. Pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate by passing the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at a testing center (about 175 dollars), renew their certificate every 24 months through a free online recurrent training, and register each aircraft with the FAA. Part 107 limits flights to daylight or civil twilight (with anti-collision lights), under 400 feet AGL, below 100 mph, within visual line of sight, and not over people or moving vehicles unless the drone and operation meet Category 1 through 4 safety standards in Part 107.145. Remote ID broadcast is mandatory as of March 16, 2024. Kent sits partly under SEA Class B airspace and near King County International Airport / Boeing Field, so most of Kent requires LAANC authorization from the FAA for any Part 107 flight, often available instantly through apps like Aloft or Airmap. Kent's municipal code does not add a licensing layer for commercial drones, but flights over Kent city parks (KCC 4.01.060) and special events require city coordination, and professional operators in residential areas may need to navigate privacy concerns under RCW 9.73 (privacy act). Contact the FAA Flight Standards District Office in Renton at 425-203-4525 for Part 107 questions.