Aerial Imaging Services in Lowell, MA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Massachusetts regulates drone operations through a combination of state statutes and municipal ordinances layered on top of FAA Part 107. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 48C (enacted 2024) prohibits the use of unmanned aircraft for surveillance of private property without consent and restricts drone flights near critical infrastructure including power plants, substations, water treatment facilities, and military installations. The law also restricts drone operations over schools, correctional facilities, and courthouses. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) prohibits drone takeoff and landing in all state parks, forests, and reservations under 350 CMR 12.00 without a special use permit. Several municipalities including Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline have local ordinances restricting drone operations on public property. Massachusetts does not require a separate state-level commercial drone license or registration, but all commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. The state generally follows FAA Part 107 preemption on airspace regulation, meaning municipalities cannot enact their own airspace rules but may regulate takeoff and landing on public property. Commercial operators near military installations (Hanscom Air Force Base, Westover Air Reserve Base, Natick Soldier Systems Center) must coordinate with base operations and check NOTAMs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL and LAANC authorization is available for Class B, C, and D airspace across Massachusetts, including Boston Logan (BOS) Class B, Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) Class C, and Worcester Regional (ORH) Class D areas.

Local Ordinances

Lowell is governed by Massachusetts state drone law (MGL Ch. 90 § 48C, 2024) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Lowell does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance as of 2026, but commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property requires authorization from the Lowell Department of Planning and Development. City parks including Shedd Park, South Common, and the Concord River Greenway require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The Lowell National Historical Park, managed by the National Park Service, prohibits drone takeoff and landing within the park boundary without NPS authorization. The Massachusetts DCR prohibits drone operations in state parks under 350 CMR 12.00 without a special use permit. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the Jack Kerouac Park are under city and DCR jurisdiction. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires coordination with the Lowell Film Office and the Lowell Police Department. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. Operators near Hanscom Air Force Base should check NOTAMs for military TFRs.

Restricted Airspace

• Hanscom Field (BED) Class D airspace extends 4.4 NM from the airport surface to 2,600 feet MSL in Bedford, Lincoln, Concord, and Lexington. While Lowell is 12 NM north of BED, operators in southern Lowell near the Chelmsford and Billerica borders should verify their position relative to the BED Class D. LAANC authorization is available through Aloft or DroneUp for the BED Class D area.
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Class B airspace extends over much of eastern Massachusetts. While Lowell is 25 NM northwest of the BOS Class B core, the outer shelves of the BOS Class B may extend into eastern Middlesex County at higher altitudes (typically above 5,000 feet MSL). Commercial drone operations below 400 feet AGL in Lowell are generally below the BOS Class B lateral boundaries, but operators near the I-495 corridor and the Billerica/Chelmsford area should verify altitude shelves using the FAA B4UFLY app.
• Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, NH has Class C airspace with a 5 NM radius surface area and an outer area extending to 10 NM. While Lowell is 30 NM south of MHT, operators in northern Lowell near the New Hampshire border should be aware of MHT traffic patterns. LAANC authorization is available for the MHT Class C area.
• Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) in Bedford, MA conducts military flight operations and can issue TFRs. Commercial operators in southern Lowell near the Bedford and Billerica borders should check NOTAMs for military TFRs and coordinate with base operations if flying near the Hanscom area.
• The Lowell National Historical Park, which preserves the city's textile mill and canal heritage, has National Park Service drone restrictions. Commercial drone operations within the park boundary require NPS coordination. The Concord River and the Merrimack River corridors have no specific airspace restrictions, but operators should be aware of bridge inspection activities and the Francis Gate and Pawtucket Canal historic structures.