Aerial Imaging Services in Boston, MA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Massachusetts regulates drone operations through a combination of state statutes and municipal ordinances layered on top of FAA Part 107. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 48C (enacted 2024) prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft for surveillance of private property without consent and restricts drone flights near critical infrastructure including power plants, substations, water treatment facilities, and military installations. The law also restricts drone operations over schools, correctional facilities, and courthouses. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) prohibits drone takeoff and landing in all state parks, forests, and reservations under 350 CMR 12.00 without a special use permit. Several municipalities including Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline have local ordinances restricting drone operations on public property. Massachusetts does not require a separate state-level commercial drone license or registration, but all commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. The state generally follows FAA Part 107 preemption on airspace regulation, meaning municipalities cannot enact their own airspace rules but may regulate takeoff and landing on public property. Commercial operators near military installations (Hanscom Air Force Base, Westover Air Reserve Base, Natick Soldier Systems Center) must coordinate with base operations and check NOTAMs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL and LAANC authorization is available for Class B, C, and D airspace across Massachusetts, including Boston Logan (BOS) Class B, Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) Class C, and Worcester Regional (ORH) Class D areas.

Local Ordinances

Boston is governed by Massachusetts state drone law (MGL Ch. 90 § 48C, 2024) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Boston Parks Commission prohibits drone takeoff and landing in all city parks, including Boston Common, Public Garden, Franklin Park, and the Esplanade, without a special use permit from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) prohibits drone operations in state parks, forests, and reservations under 350 CMR 12.00. The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area restricts commercial drone operations without NPS coordination. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising in Boston requires a film permit from the Boston Office of Film and Entertainment and coordination with the Boston Police Department. The City of Boston ordinance also restricts drone operations over public gatherings, parades, and sporting events. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for virtually all of Boston due to BOS Class B airspace coverage. Operators near Fenway Park, TD Garden, or Harvard Stadium must check for stadium TFRs (FAA 99.7) during events with 30,000+ attendees.

Restricted Airspace

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Class B airspace covers all of downtown Boston, the Seaport District, Back Bay, South Boston, East Boston, Charlestown, and parts of Roxbury and South End. The BOS Class B surface area extends from the surface to 7,000 feet MSL with multiple concentric rings. Commercial drone operations anywhere in Boston require LAANC authorization through Aloft or DroneUp. The innermost ring (5 NM radius) covers downtown and the Seaport. Operators should check FAA B4UFLY for exact boundary coordinates and altitude shelves. Even below 400 feet AGL, most of Boston is within the BOS Class B lateral boundaries.
• Hanscom Field (BED) Class D airspace extends 4.4 NM from the airport surface to 2,600 feet MSL in Bedford, Lincoln, Concord, and Lexington. While primarily affecting western suburbs, operators in Allston-Brighton and West Roxbury should verify proximity to BED Class D. LAANC authorization is available. Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) co-located with BED conducts military flight operations and can issue TFRs affecting nearby areas.
• Beverly Regional Airport (BVY) Class D airspace extends 4.4 NM from the airport to 2,500 feet MSL. While primarily affecting North Shore communities, operators in East Boston and Charlestown near the harbor approach corridors should be aware of BVY traffic patterns. LAANC authorization is available.
• Critical infrastructure restrictions under MGL Ch. 90 § 48C include the Massachusetts State House, federal buildings in the Government Center area, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown, and the MBTA transit infrastructure. Additional FAA restrictions apply within 3 NM of stadiums and venues hosting events with 30,000+ attendees, including Fenway Park, TD Garden, and Harvard Stadium during events. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are common during major events like the Boston Marathon, Fourth of July fireworks, and Head of the Charles Regatta.
• The Boston Harbor Islands Recreation Area (managed by the National Park Service and DCR) has specific drone restrictions. Commercial operators should coordinate with the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area headquarters. The Charles River Esplanade and Boston Common are under DCR jurisdiction, requiring special use permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing.