Vista, CA Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Commercial drone operations in Vista — including photography, videography, surveying, real estate marketing, inspections, and delivery services — require FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification. Operators must pass the FAA Part 107 knowledge test (or recurrent test every 24 months) and carry their remote pilot certificate during all operations. Each drone used commercially must be separately registered with the FAA. Part 107 rules include: maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL, daylight or civil twilight operations with anti-collision lighting, visual line of sight at all times, maximum groundspeed of 100 mph, no flying over people without a Category waiver, and yielding to manned aircraft. Vista is near McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) and within controlled airspace zones. Commercial operators must obtain LAANC authorization through apps like AirMap, Aloft, or KittyHawk before flying in controlled airspace. The City of Vista does not currently require a separate local business license or permit specifically for drone operations, but operators conducting a business in Vista should verify whether a general business license is needed. Waivers for operations beyond standard Part 107 limitations (night flying, over people, beyond visual line of sight) must be obtained directly from the FAA.