Commercial drone operations in San Francisco require FAA Part 107 certification and compliance with local filming permit requirements. SF Film Commission review is required for commercial drone filming in the city. Park Code Section 3.09 requires Rec & Park Department authorization for park operations.
Commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operations in controlled airspace require LAANC authorization or an FAA airspace waiver. The SF Film Commission reviews applications for commercial drone filming on public property. Insurance requirements typically include $1 million liability coverage. Operations near airports, heliports, and restricted areas are subject to additional FAA restrictions. Night operations, flights over people, and beyond visual line of sight require additional FAA waivers or compliance with updated Part 107 rules.
Operating commercially without Part 107 certification can result in FAA fines up to $32,666 per violation. Operating without required city permits may result in local citations and permit revocation.
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