Aerial Imaging Services in Sisters, 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

Sisters requires a business license for commercial drone operations. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under Sisters Municipal Code 8.30. JSY (Sisters Airport) is uncontrolled with no tower. The Deschutes National Forest surrounds the city and requires US Forest Service permits for commercial drone operations. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area has restrictions on drone flights. Drone flights over event venues during the Sisters Rodeo, Outdoor Quilt Show, and Folk Festival are prohibited. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.

Restricted Airspace

• Sisters is in Class G uncontrolled airspace at typical data collection altitudes. JSY (Sisters 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 16 miles northeast and does not cover Sisters.
• The Deschutes National Forest surrounds Sisters. US Forest Service permits are required for commercial drone operations on federal land. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area is south of the city with sensitive wildlife habitat and recreational traffic. Drone flights over wilderness areas have restrictions. The Whychus Creek corridor has high recreational use including hiking, fishing, and swimming.
• Sisters is at the base of the Cascade Range with the Three Sisters volcanoes (South Sister 10,358 feet, Middle Sister 10,047 feet, North Sister 10,085 feet) to the southwest. The mountain terrain creates complex wind patterns and turbulence, especially in afternoon conditions. Operators should plan flights for calm morning conditions and be aware of downdrafts from the mountains.
• The surrounding area is heavily forested with ponderosa pine and high desert juniper. Wildfire season in late summer can create TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) over nearby forest fires. The area is fire-prone from July through October. Check NOTAMs before flying during fire season. The 2017 Milli Fire and other recent fires have made the area particularly sensitive to fire risk.
• Sisters is a popular tourist destination with the Sisters Rodeo in June, the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in July, and the Sisters Folk Festival in September. These events draw large crowds. Drone flights over event venues during festivals are prohibited. The downtown area has heavy pedestrian traffic during events.