Part 107 certificate plus DC SFRA authorization required. LAANC approval needed per flight. Some grid cells near airports have zero-foot flight ceilings.
Commercial drone operations in Montgomery County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Because the county lies within the DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), commercial operators must obtain specific airspace authorization before every flight. Authorization is available through the LAANC system for eligible grid cells or through an FAA Part 107 waiver for operations that exceed standard LAANC parameters. Some grid cells within the county, particularly those closest to Reagan National Airport and Joint Base Andrews, have zero-foot flight ceilings, meaning no drone operations are permitted regardless of authorization. Part 107 rules apply: fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight, do not fly over people without a waiver, do not fly at night without anti-collision lighting, and yield to all manned aircraft. Commercial aerial photography or videography in Montgomery County may require a county film permit from the Montgomery County Film Commission if the operation involves road closures, park access, or use of county facilities. Real estate photography flights in residential areas are common but must still comply with all FAA and SFRA requirements.
Flying commercially without Part 107 certification: FAA fine up to $32,666 per violation. Unauthorized flight in the SFRA: federal fine up to $100,000 and criminal penalties. Operating without required county permits may result in additional local fines.
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