Suffolk County, MA Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational drone use in Suffolk County is governed by FAA rules under 49 USC §44809 plus severe local airspace constraints. Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS) generates Class B airspace covering essentially all of Suffolk County — recreational flyers MUST obtain LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorization before any flight, even below 400 feet. Winthrop and East Boston are directly under Logan's approach paths and effectively unflyable. Parts of Chelsea and Revere are in Class D airspace near Logan. Maximum altitude under authorization is typically 0-50 feet in many Boston grid cells, rising to 400 feet further from Logan. FAA registration is required for any drone over 0.55 lbs and operators must pass the free TRUST test. Boston Parks & Recreation prohibits drone launches from city parks without special permits under Boston Municipal Code §16-12.2. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area bans drones entirely. Massachusetts State Police enforce flight-path interference statutes (MGL c. 90, §49A-B). Night operation requires anti-collision lighting visible 3 statute miles.