Aerial Imaging Services in Petersburg, VA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Virginia regulates drone operations through a combination of criminal surveillance statutes, local government authority provisions, and law enforcement warrant requirements. Virginia Code § 18.2-260.2 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to use a drone to trespass and conduct surveillance of another person without consent, capturing images or video of individuals in private settings. Virginia Code § 19.2-60.1 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for search and rescue, amber alerts, and emergency situations. Virginia Code § 15.2-926.3 grants local governments authority to regulate drone takeoff and landing on public property, including parks, schools, and government buildings, but explicitly prohibits localities from regulating drone flight paths, navigation, or airspace — those remain under exclusive federal (FAA) jurisdiction under 49 USC § 40103. The Virginia Department of Aviation provides UAS guidance and encourages coordination with airport operators. All commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. LAANC authorization is available for controlled airspace around major Virginia airports including Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA), Richmond (RIC), Norfolk (ORF), and others. Virginia state parks require a special use permit for commercial drone operations under DCR regulations. Military installations in Virginia — including Quantico Marine Corps Base, Fort Belvoir, Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and Dahlgren — have restricted airspace and TFRs that require coordination with base operations and NOTAM checks.

Local Ordinances

Petersburg is an independent city in Virginia governed by Virginia state drone law (VA Code § 18.2-260.2 and § 15.2-926.3) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Petersburg regulates drone takeoff and landing on public property under its municipal authority per § 15.2-926.3. Commercial drone operations in Petersburg city parks including Lee Memorial Park, Appomattox River Park, and the Dogwood Trace Golf Course require authorization from the Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department. Petersburg National Battlefield, administered by the National Park Service, prohibits drone operations without a special use permit — the battlefield units are interspersed with city streets and private property, so operators should verify their location. Fort Gregg-Adams military installation to the south has restricted airspace requiring NOTAM checks and base coordination. Commercial drone filming for construction documentation or real estate marketing on private property requires property owner consent but no city film permit. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within RIC Class C airspace boundaries. The Virginia Department of Aviation encourages all UAS operators to register their operations through the statewide UAS notification system.

Restricted Airspace

• Richmond International Airport (RIC), located approximately 20 NM north of Petersburg, has Class C airspace with a 5 NM radius surface area and outer rings extending to 10 NM. Northern portions of the Petersburg area, particularly along the I-95 corridor toward Chester and Chesterfield County, may fall within the RIC Class C outer rings. LAANC authorization is required and available for commercial drone operations within the RIC Class C lateral boundaries. Operators should check the FAA B4UFLY app for specific shelf boundaries at their flight location.
• Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee), located approximately 12 NM south of Petersburg in Prince George County, is a major U.S. Army installation and the home of the U.S. Army Sustainment Center and the Army Logistics University. The base has restricted airspace and military operating areas that affect the southern Petersburg area, particularly along the I-85 corridor. Commercial drone operators working on construction projects in Prince George County or near the base boundary should check NOTAMs for military TFRs during training exercises and base operations. LAANC is not available for military restricted airspace — operators must coordinate directly with base operations. The base generates significant military vehicle and helicopter traffic in the Tri-Cities area.
• Dinwiddie County Airport (PTB), located approximately 8 NM west of Petersburg, operates in Class E airspace with a surface area. While Class E does not require LAANC authorization, commercial operators should maintain awareness of small aircraft traffic. PTB serves as the primary GA airport for the Tri-Cities area with flight training, corporate, and recreational traffic. The airport does not have a control tower, so operators should monitor the common traffic advisory frequency and exercise vigilance for aircraft in the vicinity. The Virginia Motorsports Park is located near the airport and hosts NHRA drag racing events that can generate TFRs.
• Petersburg National Battlefield is administered by the National Park Service and prohibits drone operations on or over park lands without a special use permit. The park preserves the site of the Siege of Petersburg (1864-65) and covers approximately 2,700 acres across multiple units in Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, and Prince George County. The Eastern Front unit is located just east of downtown Petersburg. Commercial drone operators should verify their location does not encroach on NPS-administered lands, as the battlefield park units are interspersed with private property and city streets.
• The Appomattox River flows through Petersburg and creates a river corridor with the Appomattox River Trail system. The river corridor has moderate recreational traffic including kayakers and fishing boats. Drone operators flying near the riverfront, Old Towne Petersburg, and the Trapezium House historic area should maintain Part 107 distance requirements from non-participants. The I-95 and I-85 interchange near Petersburg generates moderate helicopter traffic related to medical transport, utility inspection, and law enforcement operations. The Tri-Cities area has active industrial corridors along the river that may require coordination with facility security.