Aerial Imaging Services in Lake Oswego, 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

Lake Oswego requires a business license for commercial drone operations. Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing in city parks, including George Rogers Park, Millennium Plaza Park, and Foothills Park. The city has strict tree protection ordinances under Lake Oswego Code 55.02. Tryon Creek State Natural Area requires Oregon State Parks permits for commercial drone operations. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) prohibits using drones for surveillance of private property without consent. Oswego Lake is private property managed by the Lake Oswego Corporation.

Restricted Airspace

• Lake Oswego is in Class G uncontrolled airspace at typical data collection altitudes. PDX Class C airspace starts at the surface approximately 5 miles north. The Class C shelf may extend over parts of north Lake Oswego at higher altitudes. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for specific altitude grids near the Lake Oswego/Portland boundary.
• Oswego Lake is a private lake in the center of Lake Oswego. The lake is surrounded by private residences with private docks and boathouses. The Lake Oswego Corporation manages lake access. Drone flights over the lake should respect private property and privacy rights. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) prohibits using drones for surveillance of private property without consent.
• George Rogers Park and Old River Road along the Willamette River have high visitor traffic. Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on park property. The park is heavily used for events and festivals, especially during the summer Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts.
• Tryon Creek State Natural Area borders Lake Oswego to the north. The state natural area has high visitor traffic and sensitive habitat. Oregon State Parks may require permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing in the natural area. The trail system is heavily used for hiking and nature observation.
• Iron Mountain and the older neighborhoods of Lake Oswego have narrow streets and large trees. Drone flights in these areas should maintain safe distances from trees, power lines, and structures. The city has strict tree protection ordinances that may affect flight planning for data collection work.