Aerial Imaging Services in Plano, TX

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts drone use over critical infrastructure facilities, including oil and gas pipelines, refineries, power plants, and water treatment facilities. HB 1484 (2023) added protections for agricultural operations and expanded penalties for drone surveillance of private property. Commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas does not require a separate state drone license, but operators flying near critical infrastructure must obtain authorization from the facility owner. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains additional guidelines for drone operations near state facilities.

Local Ordinances

Plano does not issue a separate city-level drone permit for commercial operators. FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for ADS Class D, DFW Class B, and TKI Class D airspace are the primary requirements. Commercial filming on city property requires a permit through the Plano Parks and Recreation Department. Drone takeoff and landing in Plano parks requires a special use permit, including Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Oak Point Park, and Preston Meadow Park. The Legacy West mixed-use development and The Star complex have private property restrictions on drone takeoff and landing. Flights over corporate campuses (Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, JC Penney) should be coordinated with corporate security.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D airspace around Addison Airport (ADS) — located 3 miles south. ADS is one of the busiest GA airports in Texas with heavy corporate jet traffic. LAANC authorization required for flights in southern Plano. The ADS Class D extends into the Legacy Drive and Tollway corridor area.
• Class B airspace around DFW International — southwestern Plano falls within DFW Class B shelves. LAANC authorization required for all commercial drone flights in western Plano near the Tollway and SH 121 corridor.
• Class D airspace around McKinney National Airport (TKI) — located 10 miles north. Northern Plano near Legacy Hills and Windhaven Meadows falls within TKI Class D. LAANC authorization required.
• The Star (Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters) — stadium TFRs during Cowboys events and practices prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL. The Star complex on Cowboys Way includes practice facilities, corporate offices, and entertainment venues.
• Toyota North America HQ campus — while not formal restricted airspace, the 100-acre Toyota headquarters campus has active security monitoring. Drone flights over the campus should be coordinated with Toyota security, especially during corporate events.
• JPMorgan Chase Legacy West campus — large corporate campus with security monitoring. Coordinate drone flights over the Legacy West mixed-use development with property management.
• Dr. Pepper Ballpark (Frisco RoughRiders) — located 5 miles north in Frisco. Stadium TFRs during baseball games prohibit drone flights within 3 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft AGL.
• Severe weather: Plano is in the DFW metro tornado risk zone. Spring thunderstorms (April-June) can produce tornadoes and large hail. Post-storm roof inspection and commercial property damage documentation is a significant aerial imaging use case.