Aerial Imaging Services in Prineville, 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

Prineville requires a business license for commercial drone operations. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under Prineville Municipal Code 8.30. PRB (Prineville Airport) is uncontrolled with no tower. RDM (Roberts Field-Redmond Municipal Airport) has Class D airspace 18 miles northwest. Apple and Meta data center campuses have security restrictions prohibiting unauthorized drone flights. The Ochoco National Forest requires US Forest Service permits for commercial drone operations. Prineville Reservoir State Park requires Oregon State Parks permits. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.

Restricted Airspace

• Prineville is in Class G uncontrolled airspace at typical data collection altitudes. PRB (Prineville Airport) is uncontrolled with no tower. Operators should announce intentions on CTAF (122.8) and be aware of small GA traffic. RDM (Roberts Field-Redmond Municipal Airport) has Class D airspace 18 miles northwest and does not cover Prineville.
• The Ochoco National Forest is east of Prineville. US Forest Service permits are required for commercial drone operations on federal land. The Ochoco Mountains have steep terrain and wildlife habitat. Wildfire season in late summer can create TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) over nearby forest fires. Check NOTAMs before flying during fire season.
• The Prineville Reservoir is a major recreational area 15 miles southeast. The reservoir has boating, fishing, and camping traffic. Oregon State Parks requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing at the Prineville Reservoir State Park. Maintain visual line of sight and avoid flying over recreational users.
• Apple and Facebook (Meta) data center campuses are major facilities on the outskirts of Prineville. These are critical infrastructure facilities with security restrictions. Drone flights over data center campuses are prohibited without facility authorization. The facilities have extensive perimeter security and monitoring.
• The surrounding area is high desert sagebrush and juniper country. Wildfire risk is significant from July through October. The Crooked River flows through the area. The terrain is generally flat near Prineville with buttes and ridges to the east. Check NOTAMs during fire season.