Aerial Imaging Services in SeaTac, WA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Washington regulates drones through multiple statutes. ESSB 6001 (2015) requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, and forest fire management. RCW 9A.44.115 extends voyeurism laws to drone-based image capture of private premises. RCW 46.60.130 prohibits drone interference with manned aircraft and emergency response operations. Washington does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial drone pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. The state preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace (RCW 47.68), though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Washington State Parks prohibit drone takeoff and landing without a permit (WAC 352-32). Commercial operators near military installations (JBLM, Fairchild AFB, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island) must coordinate with base operations.

Local Ordinances

SeaTac requires a business license for commercial drone operations. The city is almost entirely within SEA Class B airspace, making it one of the most restrictive cities in Washington for drone operations. LAANC authorization is required for all commercial flights. Many grid cells near SEA have zero-altitude authorization, meaning flights are effectively prohibited without special FAA coordination. Contact the Port of Seattle for flights near airport and cargo facilities. Washington ESSB 6001 governs law enforcement drone use. Commercial operators must obtain a City of SeaTac business license.

Restricted Airspace

• SEA Class B airspace covers virtually all of SeaTac. The city surrounds the airport and is within the innermost Class B core. LAANC authorization is required for all commercial drone flights in SeaTac. The Class B surface area extends 5 nautical miles from SEA with altitude restrictions from the surface up. This is one of the most restrictive airspace environments in the Pacific Northwest.
• SEA approach and departure corridors cover all of SeaTac at varying altitudes. Drone flights anywhere in SeaTac must coordinate with SEA ATCT via LAANC. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for altitude limits in each grid cell. Many areas have zero-altitude authorization, meaning drone flights are effectively prohibited without special FAA coordination.
• The Port of Seattle operates extensive cargo and logistics facilities around SEA. Drone flights over port facilities require coordination with Port of Seattle security. The cargo area includes FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Air freight operations.
• Highway 99 / International Boulevard runs through SeaTac with constant vehicle traffic. Drone flights over roadways must follow FAA guidelines for operating over people and moving vehicles. Part 107.39 prohibits flight over non-participants in moving vehicles.
• SeaTac is adjacent to Burien and Tukwila. Drone operators should be aware that SEA Class B airspace extends into those neighboring cities as well, creating a large restricted zone across the south Seattle metro.