Aerial Imaging Services in Pittston, PA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Pennsylvania regulates drone operations under Act 164 of 2018, which establishes a framework for lawful unmanned aircraft use while prohibiting drone surveillance of private property without consent and restricting flights over critical infrastructure. The law prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of individuals in private settings, defines penalties for reckless operation, and restricts drone use for hunting-related activities. Pennsylvania does not require a separate state-level commercial drone license, but all commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register their aircraft with the FAA, and maintain visual line of sight. Act 164 specifically prohibits drone flights within 250 feet of a person, vehicle, or structure without consent when the operator is operating outside FAA-authorized commercial operations. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) requires a permit for commercial drone operations in state parks and state forests. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have additional local restrictions — Philadelphia prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a permit. Law enforcement agencies may use drones for search and rescue, accident reconstruction, and emergency response under documented policies.

Local Ordinances

Pittston City does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance, but commercial drone operations in city parks require a permit from the Pittston Parks and Recreation Department. The city has an active community development program with new housing construction along the Susquehanna River, and aerial imaging of these project sites requires coordination with the Pittston City Planning Department. Luzerne County parks require special use permits for commercial drone operations. Operations near the Susquehanna River levee system require coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority. Pennsylvania Act 164 of 2018 prohibits surveillance of private property without consent. The city requires commercial contractors to carry general liability insurance for municipal projects.

Restricted Airspace

• Class C: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP) Class C. AVP, approximately 8 NM northwest of Pittston, has Class C airspace extending in a 5 NM radius core area up to 3,000 ft AGL and an outer area extending 10 NM. Pittston is directly within the AVP Class C outer area. LAANC authorization is required for controlled grid squares. Contact AVP Tower at (570) 602-2000 for coordination. This is the most significant airspace consideration for Pittston-area drone operations.
• Federal Facility: Tobyhanna Army Depot (Regional). Tobyhanna Army Depot, approximately 20 NM east of Pittston in Monroe County, is a major military communications-electronics facility. While the depot itself is outside the immediate Pittston area, flight corridors eastward toward the Poconos should account for potential military airspace restrictions. Check NOTAMs for any temporary restrictions related to depot activities.
• Institutional: Regional Hospital of Scranton (Regional). Regional Hospital of Scranton and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, both within 15 NM of Pittston, operate medevac helicopter routes. Drone aerial imaging in the Pittston area should include awareness of helicopter traffic along the Susquehanna River corridor between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Coordinate with hospital facilities for aerial imaging work near medical facilities.
• Environmental: Susquehanna River Corridor. The Susquehanna River corridor through Pittston has environmental protection designations and flood control infrastructure. Drone aerial imaging near the river should account for the flood control levee system, the Lackawanna River confluence, and any environmental monitoring requirements. The river corridor is a common area for environmental and infrastructure aerial imaging work related to flood control and bank stabilization projects.