Environmental Monitoring in Springfield, MA

Airports & LAANC Zones

• BAF — Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (Class D airspace, 5 NM west in Westfield, MA — GA, corporate, and military traffic; LAANC available)
• BDL — Bradley International Airport (Class C airspace, 20 NM south in Windsor Locks, CT — major regional commercial airport; LAANC available)
• CEF — Westover Air Reserve Base / Metropolitan Airport (military/civilian joint-use, 8 NM northeast in Chicopee — C-5 Galaxy operations; LAANC available for civilian areas, military TFRs common)

Restricted Airspace

• Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF) has Class D airspace with a 4.4 NM radius extending from the surface to 2,600 feet MSL. While the airport is 5 NM west of downtown Springfield, the Class D lateral boundaries extend into western Springfield neighborhoods including Forest Park and East Longmeadow borders. Commercial drone operations in western Springfield should verify their position relative to the BAF Class D. LAANC authorization is available through Aloft or DroneUp.
• Bradley International Airport (BDL) has Class C airspace with a 5 NM radius surface area and an outer area extending to 10 NM, located 20 NM south in Windsor Locks, CT. While Springfield is outside the BDL Class C surface area, the outer area may extend into southern Hampden County. Operators in Agawam, Longmeadow, and East Longmeadow should verify altitude shelves using the FAA B4UFLY app.
• Westover Air Reserve Base (CEF) is a joint-use military/civilian airport 8 NM northeast in Chicopee, MA. The base conducts C-5 Galaxy heavy airlift operations and can issue TFRs during military exercises. The CEF Class D airspace extends 4.4 NM from the airport to 2,600 feet MSL. Commercial operators in the Chicopee and Indian Orchard areas should check NOTAMs for military TFRs and coordinate with base operations if flying near the Westover area. The base also hosts the Westover Air Show, which generates large TFRs.
• The Connecticut River corridor through Springfield has no specific airspace restrictions, but operators should be aware of bridge inspection activities and the Memorial Bridge, South End Bridge, and North End Bridge corridors. The MGM Springfield casino complex and the MassMutual Center are not specifically restricted but require coordination for commercial filming operations near large public venues.
• Critical infrastructure restrictions under MGL Ch. 90 § 48C include the Indian Orchard industrial corridor, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission facilities, and the Eversource West Springfield substation complex. Forest Park and the Van Horn Park are under city jurisdiction, requiring Parks Department authorization for commercial drone takeoff and landing.

Local Ordinances

Springfield is governed by Massachusetts state drone law (MGL Ch. 90 § 48C, 2024) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Springfield does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance as of 2026, but commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property requires authorization from the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management. City parks including Forest Park, Van Horn Park, and Blunt Park require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The Massachusetts DCR prohibits drone takeoff and landing in state parks under 350 CMR 12.00 without a special use permit. The Robinson State Park in Agawam and the Mount Tom State Reservation require DCR special use permits. Commercial drone filming for the MGM Springfield casino, the MassMutual Center, or downtown projects requires a film permit from the Springfield Office of Film and Entertainment. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within BAF Class D airspace (western Springfield) and CEF Class D airspace (northeastern Springfield near Chicopee). Operators near Westover Air Reserve Base should check NOTAMs for military TFRs.