Commercial UAS operators in Stockton must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register each aircraft, and obtain LAANC authorization to fly in the Stockton Metropolitan Airport (KSCK) Class D airspace. The Port of Stockton additionally requires a separate written UAS Permit Application for any drone operation on Port property.
Commercial drone operations (any flight 'for compensation or in furtherance of a business' — including real estate photography, infrastructure inspection, mapping, or news coverage) require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. The pilot must (1) be at least 16 years old, (2) pass the Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center, (3) register each drone weighing 0.55-55 lb (over 55 lb requires a separate exemption), and (4) operate within Part 107 limits: max 400 ft AGL, max 100 mph, daytime or with anti-collision lighting at night, visual line-of-sight, single pilot per drone, no operations over moving vehicles or non-participating people without a waiver. Most of urban Stockton lies inside the Stockton Metropolitan Airport (KSCK) Class D surface area — Part 107 operators must obtain LAANC authorization through an FAA-approved USS (Aloft, AirMap, Avision, etc.) at the published UAS Facility Map ceiling (which steps from 0 ft directly under the airport up to 400 ft near the boundary). The Port of Stockton (a deep-water inland port on the San Joaquin River) operates under a separate written drone policy: any individual seeking to operate a UAS on Port property must complete the Port's UAS Permit Application and the On-Site Operation Notification & Plan of Activities form (contact: 209-946-0246, portmail@stocktonport.com). California Business & Professions Code §16002.5 requires commercial drone operators using city facilities to also carry a Stockton business license if conducting business in the city (SMC Ch. 5.08). California Civil Code §1708.8 and Penal Code §402 apply to commercial flights as well.
FAA Part 107 violations: civil penalties up to $32,666 per violation (FY2024 adjusted) for operating without a Remote Pilot Certificate, failing to register, or flying in restricted airspace without authorization. Criminal violations up to $250,000 and 3 years in prison. Operating on Port of Stockton property without the Port's written UAS permit is treated as trespass under Cal. Penal Code §602 (up to 6 months jail / $1,000 fine). Failing to hold a Stockton business license (SMC Ch. 5.08) is a misdemeanor subject to citation by the City's Revenue Services Division.
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