Aerial Imaging Services in McMinnville, 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

McMinnville requires a business license for commercial drone operations. McMinnville Parks and Recreation requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing in city parks, including City Park, Wortman Park, and the McMinnville Community Center grounds. Linfield University requires coordination for drone flights on campus. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under McMinnville Municipal Code 5.04. MMV (McMinnville Municipal Airport) is uncontrolled but busy. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.

Restricted Airspace

• MMV (McMinnville Municipal Airport) is uncontrolled with no tower. The airport has active GA, corporate, and agriculture traffic. Operators should announce intentions on CTAF (122.8) and be aware of traffic patterns. MMV is home to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, which draws significant visitor traffic to the airport area.
• The surrounding Willamette Valley has extensive vineyard and agricultural operations. Drone flights over agricultural land should coordinate with property owners. The area is a major wine tourism destination, and vineyard owners may have concerns about drone flights over their properties. Pesticide and herbicide application by aircraft is common in the valley, creating potential airspace conflicts.
• The Yamhill River (North and South forks) flows through the McMinnville area. The river has active recreational traffic including fishing and kayaking. The river corridor has sensitive riparian habitat. Maintain visual line of sight and avoid flying directly over people on the river.
• Linfield University campus has high pedestrian traffic and several tall structures. The university should be contacted before planning drone flights on or near campus. The campus is in central McMinnville and hosts events that may draw crowds.
• The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum complex south of McMinnville has high visitor traffic and large aircraft on outdoor display. The museum area may have specific drone restrictions. The Spruce Goose (Hughes H-4 Hercules) is housed here. Check with museum management before planning flights near the facility.