Aerial Imaging Services in Hillsboro, OR

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Oregon regulates drones primarily through ORS 837.300-.340, enacted via SB 425 (2013) and amended in subsequent sessions. ORS 837.320 prohibits operating a drone in a reckless manner or interfering with manned aircraft, with violations classified as a Class A violation. ORS 837.330 restricts drone use by law enforcement, requiring a warrant for surveillance except in emergency situations, search and rescue, and forest fire response. ORS 837.340 prohibits weaponization of drones and using drones to hunt or harass wildlife. ORS 164.653 extends privacy protections, making it a crime to use a drone to capture images of private premises where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Oregon does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The state preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace, though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Oregon State Parks require a permit for commercial drone operations (OAR 736-010). Operators near military installations (Portland ANG, Kingsley Field Klamath Falls) must coordinate with base operations. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet.

Local Ordinances

Hillsboro requires a business license for commercial drone operations. Hillsboro Parks and Recreation requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing in city parks, including Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Shute Park, and Rood Bridge Park. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under Hillsboro Municipal Code 6.24. HIO (Hillsboro Airport) has voluntary noise abatement procedures. Intel campus facilities have corporate security considerations. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.

Restricted Airspace

• HIO (Hillsboro Airport) is the busiest GA airport in Oregon. While it has no control tower, the airport has high traffic volume including flight training, corporate, and recreational traffic. Operators should announce intentions on CTAF (122.8) and be aware of traffic patterns. A voluntary noise abatement procedure is in effect.
• PDX Class C airspace extends over parts of east Hillsboro at higher altitudes. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for the Class C shelf in your specific area. Lower altitudes in Hillsboro are generally in Class G uncontrolled airspace, but verify before flying.
• Intel campuses have security considerations. While no formal flight restriction exists over Intel facilities, operators should be aware of corporate security concerns. Intel semiconductor fabs involve sensitive industrial processes. Coordinate with Intel security for any flights near campus facilities.
• The Portland-Hillsboro Airport (HIO) has a voluntary noise abatement procedure. Drone operators should be aware of the noise-sensitive residential areas surrounding the airport and avoid interfering with GA traffic patterns. The airport has multiple runways and extensive flight training operations.
• Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and Fernhill Wetlands are sensitive wildlife areas. Drone operations over wetlands can disturb nesting birds and wildlife. Operators should maintain altitude and avoid low flights over wetland areas. The Fernhill Wetlands are managed by Clean Water Services.