Aerial Imaging Services in Redmond, 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

Redmond requires a business license for commercial drone operations. Redmond Parks and Recreation requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing in city parks, including Dry Canyon and Sam Johnson Park. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under Redmond Municipal Code 5.10. RDM Class D airspace covers much of Redmond requiring LAANC authorization. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.

Restricted Airspace

• RDM (Redmond Municipal Airport) is Class D airspace with an operating control tower. LAANC authorization is required for commercial drone flights within the Class D area, which covers a 5-mile radius around the airport. The Class D surface area typically extends to 4,000 feet MSL. RDM is the commercial airport serving Central Oregon with flights to Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, and Phoenix. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for specific altitude grids.
• The Deschutes River flows west of Redmond. The river has active recreational traffic including fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The river corridor has sensitive riparian habitat. Maintain visual line of sight and avoid flying directly over people on the river.
• Dry Canyon is a natural area running through the center of Redmond. The canyon has high pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the Dry Canyon Trail. Redmond Parks and Recreation requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on park property. The canyon is a popular walking and running route.
• The high desert terrain around Redmond creates unique flying conditions. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, which affects drone battery performance. Afternoon winds are common, especially in the spring and summer. The area is at approximately 3,000 feet elevation, which also affects drone performance.
• Wildfire season in late summer can create TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) over nearby forest fires in the Deschutes National Forest. Check NOTAMs before flying during fire season. The surrounding juniper and sagebrush landscape is fire-prone from July through October.