Pennsylvania Commercial Drones (2026)

Key Facts

Federal certificate: Part 107 Remote Pilot
State preemption: Act 78 of 2018
Remote ID: Required for most drones
Local rules: Cannot regulate airspace

Full Breakdown

FAA Part 107 requires a Remote Pilot Certificate, aircraft registration, Remote ID broadcast, and operational waivers for night, over-people, or beyond-visual-line-of-sight commercial flights. Pennsylvania's Act 78 of 2018 (18 Pa.C.S. Sections 3505-3506) preempts municipal commercial drone regulation and adds state criminal penalties for surveillance, contraband delivery, and interference with first responders. PennDOT and DCNR may restrict ground operations on state property, but airspace rules remain federal.

Violations & Penalties

FAA penalties for Part 107 violations can exceed $30,000 per occurrence. State criminal violations include misdemeanors and second-degree felony exposure up to 10 years in prison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Pennsylvania city require a commercial drone operating permit?

Act 78 of 2018 preempts local drone regulation, so cities cannot impose separate commercial drone operating permits beyond reasonable rules on takeoff or landing on city property.

What state crimes apply to a Pennsylvania commercial drone pilot?

Operators may be prosecuted for unlawful surveillance of private places, intentional interference with first responders, and delivery of contraband under 18 Pa.C.S. Sections 3505 and 3506.

Pennsylvania Commercial Drone Operations Under State Preemption

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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