Aerial Imaging Services in Auburn, WA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Washington require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Washington regulates drones through multiple statutes. ESSB 6001 (2015) requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, and forest fire management. RCW 9A.44.115 extends voyeurism laws to drone-based image capture of private premises. RCW 46.60.130 prohibits drone interference with manned aircraft and emergency response operations. Washington does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial drone pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The state preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace (RCW 47.68), though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Washington State Parks prohibit drone takeoff and landing without a permit (WAC 352-32). Commercial operators near military installations (JBLM, Fairchild AFB, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island) must coordinate with base operations.

Local Ordinances

Auburn requires a City of Auburn business license for all commercial drone operations within city limits. Commercial operators on city-owned property should coordinate with the Parks Department for flights in Game Farm Park, Les Gove Park, or the Auburn Environmental Park. Washington ESSB 6001 governs law enforcement drone use. Washington State Parks (WAC 352-32) prohibit drone takeoff and landing without a permit. SEA Class B airspace extends over northern Auburn requiring LAANC authorization. AUB Auburn Municipal Airport has heavy GA traffic requiring CTAF monitoring. The Muckleshoot Indian Reservation borders the city to the southeast and requires tribal coordination for overflight.

Restricted Airspace

• SEA Class B airspace extends over northern Auburn. The Class B shelf varies by altitude, typically starting at 2,000-3,000 ft MGL. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for specific altitude restrictions in your flight area. LAANC authorization required for commercial flights in the Class B zone.
• AUB Auburn Municipal Airport is untowered Class G airspace but has heavy general aviation traffic including corporate jets and flight training. Be aware of VFR traffic patterns and monitor CTAF 122.8. The traffic pattern altitude is 1,000 ft AGL.
• The Muckleshoot Indian Reservation borders Auburn to the southeast. Commercial drone operations on tribal land require coordination with the Muckleshoot Tribal Council. Do not fly over tribal lands without authorization.
• The Green River and Green River Valley create low-lying corridors with frequent fog and low cloud cover. Visibility can change rapidly. Check weather conditions before flying in the river valley areas.
• The Auburn Black Diamond Road and SR-18 corridor is a high-traffic area. Infrastructure inspection along these corridors requires coordination with WSDOT and traffic safety measures.