Aerial Imaging Services in Gaffney, SC

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

South Carolina regulates drone operations under Act 271 of 2018 (S.435), codified at SC Code §§ 23-1-210 through 23-1-240. The law requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before conducting drone surveillance of private property (§ 23-1-220), prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of individuals on private property without consent (§ 23-1-230), and bans weaponized drone operations statewide (§ 23-1-240). South Carolina does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators — all commercial drone pilots must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register their aircraft with the FAA, and maintain visual line of sight. The law also prohibits drone flights over state correctional facilities and military installations. South Carolina State Parks require a special use permit for commercial drone operations — contact the SC State Park Service for permit applications. Local municipalities may adopt their own ordinances regulating takeoff and landing on public property, but cannot regulate airspace or flight operations, which are exclusively under federal (FAA) jurisdiction.

Local Ordinances

The City of Gaffney does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance, but commercial drone operations within city parks require a permit from Gaffney Parks and Recreation. Gaffney and most of Cherokee County operate in uncontrolled Class G airspace, making LAANC authorization generally unnecessary for commercial operations. The Cowpens National Battlefield, a National Park Service unit 10 miles southeast, prohibits all drone operations under 36 CFR 1.5. Commercial operators conducting work on Cherokee County contracts must carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million. The Gaffney Police Department recommends notification before conducting low-altitude aerial imaging flights over downtown or during the South Carolina Peach Festival. South Carolina State Parks require a special use permit for commercial drone operations. Drone takeoff and landing from public roadways requires authorization from the Gaffney Public Works Department.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D (distant): Hickory Regional Airport (adjacent). Hickory Regional Airport (HKY) has a Class D airspace cylinder approximately 30 miles northeast of Gaffney. The Class D does not extend into the Gaffney area, but operators flying in northeastern Cherokee County should verify the FAA LAANC grid. Most of Gaffney and Cherokee County operates in uncontrolled Class G airspace, making LAANC authorization generally unnecessary for commercial drone operations.
• Industrial Facility: Gaffney Peaking Facility / Broad River Energy Center. The Broad River Energy Center, a natural gas power plant operated by Lockhart Power, is located near Gaffney along the Broad River corridor. Commercial drone operators conducting aerial imaging work near the facility should coordinate with plant security. The facility is classified as critical energy infrastructure, and unauthorized drone flights may trigger security responses. The Broad River corridor in general is ecologically sensitive and requires coordination with the SC Department of Natural Resources.
• Park/Recreation: Cowpens National Battlefield. Cowpens National Battlefield, located approximately 10 miles southeast of Gaffney, is a unit of the National Park Service. Drone operations are prohibited in all National Park Service units under NPS regulations (36 CFR 1.5). Commercial drone operators conducting aerial imaging work near the battlefield boundary should verify the park boundary and maintain a safe distance. The battlefield is a significant Revolutionary War historic site, and unauthorized drone flights over the park are subject to federal penalties.
• Municipal Facility: Gaffney City Hall / Downtown Historic District. Commercial drone operations near the Gaffney municipal complex and the downtown Historic District, including the iconic Gaffney Outlet Premium Outlets area, require coordination with the City of Gaffney. The downtown area hosts regular community events including the South Carolina Peach Festival. The Gaffney Police Department recommends notification before conducting aerial imaging flights over downtown or during festival events.
• Critical Infrastructure: Broad River / Lake Whelchel Corridor. The Broad River flows through Cherokee County near Gaffney, feeding into the Lake Whelchel watershed. Drone operations over the river corridor and watershed infrastructure require coordination with the Broad River Water Management District. Low-altitude flights over the river corridor can disturb wildlife and riparian habitats, particularly during spring nesting seasons. The Broad River is also a source of industrial water supply for facilities along the I-85 corridor.