Aerial Imaging Services in Upper Darby, PA

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Pennsylvania regulates drone operations under Act 164 of 2018, which establishes a framework for lawful unmanned aircraft use while prohibiting drone surveillance of private property without consent and restricting flights over critical infrastructure. The law prohibits using drones to conduct surveillance of individuals in private settings, defines penalties for reckless operation, and restricts drone use for hunting-related activities. Pennsylvania does not require a separate state-level commercial drone license, but all commercial operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, register their aircraft with the FAA, and maintain visual line of sight. Act 164 specifically prohibits drone flights within 250 feet of a person, vehicle, or structure without consent when the operator is operating outside FAA-authorized commercial operations. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) requires a permit for commercial drone operations in state parks and state forests. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have additional local restrictions — Philadelphia prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a permit. Law enforcement agencies may use drones for search and rescue, accident reconstruction, and emergency response under documented policies.

Local Ordinances

Upper Darby Township does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance, but commercial drone operations in township parks require a permit from the Upper Darby Parks and Recreation Department. The township's proximity to Philadelphia International Airport (5 NM) means most commercial operations require LAANC authorization due to PHL Class B airspace. Operations near the 69th Street Transportation Center require coordination with SEPTA Police and Facilities Management. Delaware County, whose government center is in Media adjacent to Upper Darby, requires coordination for work near county facilities. Upper Darby Township requires commercial contractors to carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million for work on township contracts. The township is densely populated (over 7,000 people per square mile), making privacy considerations under Pennsylvania Act 164 of 2018 especially important. Operations near Lankenau Medical Center and Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital require awareness of medevac helicopter routes.

Restricted Airspace

• Class B: Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Surface Area. Upper Darby is located approximately 5 NM northwest of Philadelphia International Airport, placing much of the township within or adjacent to PHL Class B airspace. The Class B surface area and inner shelves extend across this area with multiple altitude layers. Commercial drone operators MUST obtain LAANC authorization before operating within any controlled airspace grid square. This is one of the most restrictive airspace environments in the Philadelphia suburbs. Contact PHL Tower at (215) 937-6900 for coordination outside LAANC grid coverage. Operators should verify their specific grid square and maximum authorized altitude before every flight.
• Class D: Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) Surface Area. PNE Class D airspace, approximately 18 NM northeast, does not directly affect Upper Darby. However, corridor aerial imaging projects between Upper Darby and northeast Philadelphia may pass through this airspace. LAANC authorization is available for controlled grid squares. Contact PNE Tower at (215) 673-3100 for coordination.
• Federal Facility: William H. Green III Federal Building / Delaware County Courthouse. The Delaware County Courthouse and federal buildings in downtown Media, the county seat adjacent to Upper Darby, have security-related airspace awareness requirements. While no formal TFR is permanently active, drone operators should exercise caution near federal facilities. Check NOTAMs for any temporary restrictions related to VIP visits or security events.
• Transit/Infrastructure: SEPTA 69th Street Terminal and Transportation Center. The 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby is one of SEPTA's busiest transit hubs, serving the Market-Frankford Line, multiple trolley routes, and dozens of bus lines. Drone operations near the terminal require coordination with SEPTA Police and Facilities Management. The terminal area has ongoing security and facility upgrade projects. The dense transit infrastructure and passenger traffic require careful flight planning and safety protocols. The adjacent Market Street corridor has ongoing commercial redevelopment.