Drone Permits

DJI Drone Mavic Pro Platinum starting from beach.
DJI Drone starting from beach.

Drones

Production companies planning to film with a Drone/UAS are required to follow the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Small UAS CFR Part 107 Rule.

Drone use cannot be included on a final issued permit without written clearance from the FAA, whether it is facilitated by the Film Commission or the drone pilot provides the written clearance directly from the FAA to a Film Commission representative.

To process FAA clearance through the Film Commission’s one-stop permitting process, the following items are required for submission:

  • A completed FAA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Information Request Form (including date, time and location of flight)
  • Copy of the drone pilot’s license
  • Proof of recency certification of pilot’s license (if license was issued more than 24 months prior to filming date)
  • Drone registration
  • FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) approval (for operations/flying in Class B, C, D and E airspace at or below 400 ft)
Drone hovering