Commercial drone operations in Loudoun County require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate plus DC SFRA authorization for most of eastern Loudoun. Operations near Washington Dulles (IAD) and Leesburg Executive (JYO) require LAANC authorization. Loudoun has a thriving commercial drone industry tied to data centers in Ashburn and real estate — but operators face the most restrictive airspace in the nation. County Public Affairs requires notification for commercial filming on county property; no drone operations in parks.
Commercial drone operations under FAA 14 CFR Part 107 require a Remote Pilot Certificate (aeronautical knowledge test, biennial recurrent training). For Loudoun, additional federal layers apply. The DC Special Flight Rules Area (14 CFR §93.335) covers eastern Loudoun within 30 nm of Reagan National — Part 107 operators must obtain an FAA waiver for SFRA operations, typically requiring background check and specific flight plan approval. Dulles (IAD) Class B airspace requires LAANC authorization via approved UAS Service Suppliers (Skyward, Airmap, Kittyhawk). Leesburg Executive (JYO) Class E requires similar coordination. Commercial filming on Loudoun County-owned property (parks, government facilities) requires a filming permit from the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development and coordination with Public Affairs. Data center inspection drones are heavily used in Ashburn's 'Data Center Alley' — operators must coordinate with facility security. Loudoun County Ord. Ch. 1080 still prohibits drone operations in parks, even commercial. Operating without Part 107 for commercial purposes: FAA fines up to $32,666 plus potential cease-and-desist.
Commercial operation without Part 107: FAA civil penalty up to $32,666. SFRA violation without waiver: up to $32,666 + potential criminal charges under 18 USC §39A. Unauthorized county property filming: permit revocation + $500 fine.
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See how Loudoun County's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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