Topographic Data Collection in Concord, NH

Airports & LAANC Zones

• CON — Concord Municipal Airport (Class D airspace, located 2 miles east of downtown Concord — GA, corporate, and New Hampshire Army National Guard helicopter operations; LAANC available)
• MHT — Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Class C airspace, 20 NM south in Manchester — commercial service from American, Southwest, United, Delta; LAANC available)
• ASH — Nashua Airport / Boire Field (Class D airspace, 35 NM south in Nashua — busiest GA airport in New Hampshire; LAANC available)
• LEB — Lebanon Municipal Airport (Class D airspace, 40 NM north in Lebanon — GA and regional commercial; LAANC available)

Restricted Airspace

• Concord Municipal Airport (CON) has Class D airspace with a 4.4 NM radius surface area from the surface up to 2,500 feet MSL. CON is located just 2 miles east of downtown Concord, meaning most of the city falls within or near the CON Class D boundary. The airport hosts significant GA traffic, corporate aviation, and New Hampshire Army National Guard helicopter operations. Commercial drone operators must obtain LAANC authorization before flying within the CON Class D area. Check FAA B4UFLY for exact boundaries and NOTAMs before every flight.
• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) Class C airspace extends 5 NM from the airport surface area up to 4,000 feet AGL, with an outer area from 10-20 NM up to 10,000 feet. MHT is 20 NM south of Concord, so southern Concord and the I-93 corridor approach the MHT Class C outer area. Operators flying south of Concord along I-93 should verify MHT Class C boundaries using FAA B4UFLY and obtain LAANC authorization if within the Class C surface area.
• The New Hampshire Army National Guard operates from Concord Municipal Airport with UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopter operations. Military helicopter training creates intermittent low-altitude traffic along the Merrimack River corridor, I-93, and I-89 corridors. While Concord does not have a dedicated Military Operations Area, operators should check NOTAMs for National Guard training activity and maintain awareness of helicopter traffic per FAA Part 107.39.
• The Merrimack River corridor through Concord is popular for commercial drone photography, but operators must maintain visual line of sight and comply with FAA Part 107.39. The river has active recreational traffic including kayaks and canoes during summer. The area around the New Hampshire State House, federal buildings, and the Concord Hospital campus should be treated with caution per FAA Part 107.39 and critical infrastructure awareness. The I-93 and I-89 interchange area has active traffic and occasional medevac helicopter routes.
• The White Mountain National Forest lies approximately 60 miles north of Concord. While the national forest does not have restricted airspace, the FAA recommends maintaining safe altitude near mountainous terrain. Drone operations in the national forest require a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service for commercial filming. NH Fish and Game restricts drone operations in wildlife management areas during nesting and breeding seasons. The Merrimack River and Contoocook River confluence area near downtown Concord has sensitive riparian habitat where operators should check Fish and Game restrictions.

Local Ordinances

Concord is governed by New Hampshire state drone regulations (RSA 207:37-39) and FAA Part 107. As the state capital, Concord has additional security considerations around the New Hampshire State House, Legislative Office Building, and federal courthouse. Commercial drone operations near the State House complex require coordination with the New Hampshire State Police Protective Services Unit. The City of Concord does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance as of 2026, but commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property requires authorization from the Concord Parks and Recreation Department. Concord city parks including Memorial Field, Rollins Park, White Park, and Keach Park require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The Merrimack River corridor and trail systems are regulated by the Concord Planning Department for commercial drone filming. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires coordination with the New Hampshire Film Bureau and Concord Police Department. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within the CON Class D airspace boundary.