Aerial Imaging Services in Georgetown, KY

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Kentucky 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. Kentucky enacted HB 297 in 2016, codified at KRS 183.132, which established the Kentucky Autonomous Systems Oversight Board within the Kentucky Department of Aviation to study and advise on unmanned aircraft systems policy. KRS 164.955 restricts drone operations over public university campuses without authorization from the institution, directly affecting areas around Western Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, and other public campuses. KRS 525.090 was amended to include harassment by drone — using a drone to surveil or harass a person constitutes harassment in the second degree. Kentucky does not prohibit drone flights over correctional facilities at the state level, but the Federal Bureau of Prisons restricts flights over federal facilities (18 USC 1300). Local municipalities may adopt 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 Georgetown does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance, but commercial drone operations within city parks require a permit from the Georgetown-Scott County Parks and Recreation Department. Operations near Bluegrass Airport (LEX), 18 miles south, fall within Class D airspace — LAANC authorization is required for controlled airspace grid squares. Scott County requires commercial operators conducting construction aerial imaging on county contracts to carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million. Georgetown College, a private liberal arts college with approximately 1,500 students, does not fall under KRS 164.955 (which applies to public university campuses only), but operators should still coordinate with campus security for flights near college property. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) has strict no-fly protocols over its 1,300-acre campus — coordinate with TMMK Security and Facilities Management before any drone operations on or near the facility. Georgetown prohibits drone takeoff and landing from public roadways without authorization from the Department of Public Works. The Royal Spring Park and Brooking Park areas are popular aerial imaging sites for environmental monitoring — coordinate with Parks and Recreation for permits.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D: Bluegrass Airport (LEX) Surface Area. LEX Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport up to 3,300 ft MSL. While LEX is 18 miles south of Georgetown, drone operators working along the I-75 corridor between Georgetown and Lexington should check LAANC grids for controlled airspace extensions. LAANC authorization is available for near-instant approval within controlled airspace grid squares.
• Class B: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Class B. CVG Class B airspace begins approximately 35 miles north of Georgetown. While most of Scott County is outside CVG Class B, operators conducting aerial imaging along the I-75 corridor north toward Florence and Covington should verify their flight area against CVG Class B shelves. LAANC authorization is required for any flights within Class B airspace. Check the FAA LAANC grid for specific altitude caps.
• Industrial Facility: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). TMMK, the largest Toyota manufacturing plant in North America at 1,300+ acres with 8.1 million sq ft under roof and approximately 10,000 employees, has private security zones and restricted drone flight protocols. Toyota does not allow unauthorized drone flights over the manufacturing campus. Operators conducting construction aerial imaging for Toyota or its suppliers must coordinate with TMMK Security and Facilities Management before any drone operations on or near the campus. The facility includes its own power plant, test tracks, and supplier buildings.
• State Facility: Kentucky State Police Post 12 / Scott County Detention Center. The Kentucky State Police Post 12 headquarters and the Scott County Detention Center are located in Georgetown. While there are no specific state-level drone restrictions over state police facilities, operators should exercise caution and coordinate with facility security before flying near law enforcement infrastructure. FAA regulations prohibit drone flights that interfere with law enforcement operations.
• Federal Facility: Federal Courthouse / US Post Office (Georgetown). The federal building in downtown Georgetown houses the US Post Office and federal offices. Drone flights over federal facilities are restricted under 18 USC 1300. Operators conducting construction aerial imaging near federal properties must coordinate with facility security management.