Aerial Imaging Services in Pendleton, 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

Pendleton requires a business license for commercial drone operations. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under Pendleton Municipal Code 8.30. PDT (Eastern Oregon Regional Airport) has Class D airspace requiring LAANC authorization within 5 miles. Drone flights over the Pendleton Round-Up grounds during the September rodeo are prohibited. The Umatilla Army Depot 30 miles west has restricted military airspace. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation requires tribal government permission for drone operations over tribal lands. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.

Restricted Airspace

• PDT (Eastern Oregon Regional Airport) has Class D airspace covering a 5-mile radius around the airport. LAANC authorization is required for commercial drone flights within the Class D area. The tower operates during daylight hours. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for specific altitude grids.
• The Umatilla Army Depot and Umatilla Chemical Depot are approximately 30 miles west of Pendleton. These are federal military installations with restricted airspace. Drone flights near military installations are prohibited without authorization. The depot area has permanent TFRs in certain sectors.
• The Pendleton Round-Up grounds draw over 50,000 visitors during the annual rodeo in September. Drone flights over the Round-Up grounds during the event are prohibited. The Pendleton Woolen Mills and downtown historic district have moderate pedestrian traffic. The Umatilla River flows through the south side of town.
• The surrounding area is arid high desert and wheat country. Wildfire risk exists in late summer, particularly in the Umatilla National Forest to the south. Check NOTAMs during fire season. The Blue Mountains to the south can create wind patterns affecting drone operations.
• The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is located east of Pendleton. Drone operations over tribal lands require permission from the tribal government. The reservation has cultural and archaeological sites that require aerial sensitivity.