Aerial Imaging Services in New Bedford, 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

New Bedford is governed by Massachusetts state drone law (MGL Ch. 90 § 48C, 2024) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of New Bedford 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 New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation, and Beaches. City parks including Fort Taber Park, Brooklawn Park, and the New Bedford Harborwalk require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The New Bedford Whaling 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. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires coordination with the New Bedford Office of Tourism and the New Bedford Police Department. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within BID Class D airspace. Operators near the harbor, the State Pier, and the ferry terminals should coordinate with the Coast Guard and the Harbor Development Commission.

Restricted Airspace

• New Bedford Regional Airport (BID) has Class D airspace with a 4.4 NM radius extending from the surface to 2,600 feet MSL. The BID Class D covers much of northern New Bedford, including the North End, the industrial waterfront, and the Route 140 corridor. Commercial drone operations within this area require LAANC authorization through Aloft or DroneUp. BID handles GA, corporate, and military traffic including Coast Guard operations.
• T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI has Class C airspace with a 5 NM radius surface area and an outer area extending to 10 NM. While New Bedford is 30 NM east of PVD, operators in western New Bedford near the Dartmouth and Fall River borders should verify altitude shelves using the FAA B4UFLY app. LAANC authorization is available for the PVD Class C area.
• Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) has seasonal Class D airspace, 20 NM southeast of New Bedford. While primarily affecting operations over Vineyard Sound, operators near the New Bedford harbor and the Elizabeth Islands should be aware of MVY traffic patterns during the summer season. LAANC authorization is available.
• The New Bedford Harbor and the hurricane barrier are critical infrastructure under MGL Ch. 90 § 48C. The harbor is one of the largest commercial fishing ports in the United States, and the Army Corps of Engineers maintains the hurricane barrier. Commercial drone operations near the harbor, the State Pier, and the ferry terminals should coordinate with the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission and the Coast Guard.
• The Buzzards Bay Coalition and the DCR restrict drone operations in state parks and reservations under 350 CMR 12.00. The Fort Taber Park and the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park have specific drone restrictions. The NPS-managed Whaling National Historical Park prohibits drone takeoff and landing within the park boundary without NPS authorization. The Palmer's Island Light and the Butler Flats Light are historic structures requiring careful coordination for commercial data collection work.