Aerial Imaging Services in Harrisonburg, VA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Virginia regulates drone operations through a combination of criminal surveillance statutes, local government authority provisions, and law enforcement warrant requirements. Virginia Code § 18.2-260.2 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to use a drone to trespass and conduct surveillance of another person without consent, capturing images or video of individuals in private settings. Virginia Code § 19.2-60.1 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for search and rescue, amber alerts, and emergency situations. Virginia Code § 15.2-926.3 grants local governments authority to regulate drone takeoff and landing on public property, including parks, schools, and government buildings, but explicitly prohibits localities from regulating drone flight paths, navigation, or airspace — those remain under exclusive federal (FAA) jurisdiction under 49 USC § 40103. The Virginia Department of Aviation provides UAS guidance and encourages coordination with airport operators. All commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. LAANC authorization is available for controlled airspace around major Virginia airports including Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA), Richmond (RIC), Norfolk (ORF), and others. Virginia state parks require a special use permit for commercial drone operations under DCR regulations. Military installations in Virginia — including Quantico Marine Corps Base, Fort Belvoir, Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and Dahlgren — have restricted airspace and TFRs that require coordination with base operations and NOTAM checks.

Local Ordinances

Harrisonburg is governed by Virginia state drone law (VA Code § 18.2-260.2 and § 15.2-926.3) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Harrisonburg regulates drone takeoff and landing on public property under its municipal authority per § 15.2-926.3. Commercial drone operations in Harrisonburg city parks including Purcell Park, Westover Park, and Hillandale Park require authorization from the Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation Department. The Blacks Run Greenway Trail, managed by the city, requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing. Shenandoah National Park, approximately 10-15 NM east, is NPS-administered and prohibits drone operations without a special use permit. The George Washington National Forest to the west is USFS-administered and allows Part 107 operations but may require permits for commercial filming on forest lands. James Madison University campus flights should be coordinated with campus security. Commercial drone filming for construction documentation or real estate marketing on private property requires property owner consent but no city film permit. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within SHD Class D airspace boundaries in northern Rockingham County.

Restricted Airspace

• Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) has Class D airspace with a 4 NM radius surface area from the surface up to 3,100 feet MSL. The Class D is located approximately 12 NM north of Harrisonburg in Weyers Cave and affects the northern Rockingham County area. Most of Harrisonburg city itself is outside the SHD Class D 4 NM radius, but operators flying in northern Harrisonburg or the Bridgewater area should check boundaries. LAANC authorization is required and available for commercial drone operations within the SHD Class D lateral boundaries.
• Shenandoah National Park borders Harrisonburg to the east, with the park boundary running along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 10-15 NM east of downtown. The park is administered by the National Park Service, which prohibits drone operations on or over NPS-administered lands without a special use permit. Skyline Drive, the scenic parkway through Shenandoah National Park, is also NPS-restricted. Commercial operators flying in the eastern Rockingham County area or near Massanutten Resort should verify their location does not encroach on park lands. Violations can result in federal penalties and equipment confiscation.
• The Massanutten Resort area, located approximately 8 NM east of Harrisonburg, has moderate helicopter and small aircraft traffic related to resort operations and tourism. While Massanutten does not have designated controlled airspace, the resort area has elevated recreational activity including mountain biking, hiking, and golf. Drone operators flying near the resort should maintain awareness of pedestrian and recreational traffic. The Massanutten Peak and ski area have occasional event-driven drone restrictions.
• James Madison University, located in central Harrisonburg, operates a campus that does not have controlled airspace but has moderate helicopter traffic for medevac operations serving the nearby Sentara RMH Medical Center. Drone operators flying near the JMU campus, Bridgeforth Stadium, and the Sentara RMH hospital complex should maintain situational awareness of low-altitude helicopter traffic. The university conducts some UAS research through its geography and integrated science programs, and operators should check for university drone activity.
• The George Washington National Forest borders Harrisonburg to the west, with forest lands extending into the Allegheny Mountains. The national forest is administered by the U.S. Forest Service, which allows drone operations under FAA Part 107 but may require special use permits for commercial filming or photography on forest lands. Operators flying in western Rockingham County or near the national forest boundary should check USFS regulations. The forest has active timber management and prescribed burn operations that may create temporary airspace considerations.