Aerial Imaging Services in Longview, WA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Washington regulates drones through multiple statutes. ESSB 6001 (2015) requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, and forest fire management. RCW 9A.44.115 extends voyeurism laws to drone-based image capture of private premises. RCW 46.60.130 prohibits drone interference with manned aircraft and emergency response operations. Washington does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial drone pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The state preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace (RCW 47.68), though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Washington State Parks prohibit drone takeoff and landing without a permit (WAC 352-32). Commercial operators near military installations (JBLM, Fairchild AFB, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island) must coordinate with base operations.

Local Ordinances

Longview does not have a formal drone permitting ordinance, but commercial operators on city-owned property should coordinate with the Parks Department for flights in Lake Sacajawea Park, Riverside Park, or the Longview Civic Center. Washington ESSB 6001 governs law enforcement drone use. Washington State Parks (WAC 352-32) prohibit drone takeoff and landing without a permit. Longview is primarily in uncontrolled Class G airspace with no LAANC requirement. The Port of Longview requires coordination with port security for overflight. Weyerhaeuser timber lands surrounding the city require coordination during logging operations. The Oregon border is across the Columbia River to the south, requiring awareness of both states' regulations.

Restricted Airspace

• Longview is primarily in uncontrolled Class G airspace. KLS Southwest Washington Regional Airport is 5 miles south and untowered. No LAANC authorization is typically required for commercial drone flights in Longview, but monitor CTAF 122.9 for KLS traffic.
• The Port of Longview is a deep-water marine terminal with industrial infrastructure. Commercial drone flights over the port should coordinate with port security. Critical infrastructure including fuel storage and chemical facilities may have additional security considerations.
• The Cowlitz River and Columbia River confluence creates a wide river corridor. Drone flights over the rivers must maintain visual line of sight. The rivers are heavily used by commercial barge traffic and recreational boaters.
• Weyerhaeuser timber lands and the Longview Timberlands surround the city. Commercial drone flights over active timber lands should coordinate with Weyerhaeuser for safety, particularly during logging operations and helicopter timber transport.
• The Oregon border is immediately across the Columbia River to the south. Drone flights near the state border should be aware that Oregon drone regulations apply if crossing the border. Do not fly across the Columbia River into Oregon airspace without verifying Oregon compliance.