Aerial Imaging Services in Cambridge, 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

Cambridge is governed by Massachusetts state drone law (MGL Ch. 90 § 48C, 2024) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Cambridge has a municipal ordinance restricting drone takeoff and landing in public parks and open spaces without a permit from the Cambridge Recreation Division. City parks including Fresh Pond Reservation, Danehy Park, and Cambridge Common require explicit authorization for commercial drone operations. The Massachusetts DCR prohibits drone operations in state parks and reservations under 350 CMR 12.00. The Charles River corridor and the Alewife Brook Reservation are under DCR jurisdiction. Harvard University and MIT both have institutional drone policies requiring coordination with their respective Environment, Health and Safety offices for any commercial drone operations on or near campus property. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires a film permit from the Cambridge Arts Council and coordination with the Cambridge Police Department. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for all of Cambridge due to BOS Class B airspace. Harvard Stadium TFRs (FAA 99.7) may affect operations during major events.

Restricted Airspace

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Class B airspace covers all of Cambridge, including Kendall Square, Harvard Square, Central Square, Inman Square, Porter Square, and Alewife. The BOS Class B surface area extends from the surface to 7,000 feet MSL with multiple concentric rings. Cambridge is within the inner ring of the BOS Class B. Commercial drone operations anywhere in Cambridge require LAANC authorization through Aloft or DroneUp. The Charles River corridor and Memorial Drive have additional BOS approach/departure traffic patterns to consider.
• 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 Cambridge is outside the BED Class D, operators in North Cambridge and Alewife should be aware of traffic patterns from BED, which is 14 NM northwest. LAANC authorization is available for the BED Class D area.
• Critical infrastructure restrictions under MGL Ch. 90 § 48C include MIT research facilities, Harvard University laboratories, the Broad Institute, and the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. Additional FAA restrictions apply within 3 NM of Harvard Stadium during events with 30,000+ attendees (FAA 99.7 TFR). The MIT campus has specific institutional drone policies requiring coordination with MIT Environment, Health and Safety Office.
• The Charles River and the Esplanade corridor between Cambridge and Boston are under DCR jurisdiction. Commercial drone takeoff and landing along the Charles River requires DCR special use permits. The Fresh Pond Reservation and the Alewife Brook Reservation are under DCR and City of Cambridge jurisdiction, requiring authorization for commercial drone operations.
• Stadium TFRs (FAA 99.7) affect Cambridge when Harvard Stadium hosts events with 30,000+ attendees. The 3 NM TFR radius extends into parts of Cambridge, Allston, and Brighton. Commercial operators should check NOTAMs and the FAA B4UFLY app before flying near Harvard Stadium during football season or major events.