Aerial Imagery in Lowell, MA

Airports & LAANC Zones

• BED — Laurence G. Hanscom Field (Class D airspace, 12 NM south in Bedford, MA — busiest GA airport in New England; LAANC available)
• BOS — Boston Logan International Airport (Class B airspace, 25 NM southeast — major international hub; outer BOS Class B shelves at higher altitudes over eastern Middlesex County)
• MHT — Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (Class C airspace, 30 NM north in Manchester, NH — commercial and GA; LAANC available)
• AFB — Hanscom Air Force Base (military airspace, 12 NM south in Bedford, MA — coordinated with BED Class D; 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.

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.