Overview
Pennsylvania allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. Pennsylvania Crimes Code addresses harassment and privacy violations. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have Class B airspace restrictions. Forest and wildlife protections apply.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Pennsylvania. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- Pennsylvania Crimes Code § 3503: Harassment via drone surveillance — repeated drone surveillance intended to harass is criminal
- Pennsylvania Crimes Code § 3521-3522: Invasion of privacy — recording/photographing person in private area without consent via drone is crime
- Pennsylvania Trespass Law: Unauthorized drone flight over private property is trespass
- Philadelphia airspace: Class B airspace (PHL) requires LAANC authorization
- Pittsburgh airspace: Class B airspace (PIT) requires LAANC authorization
- National Forests (Allegheny): Special Use Permit required for any commercial drone operations on federal forest land
- Pennsylvania Game Code § 2303: Wildlife protection — no drone flight over wildlife sanctuaries, game lands, or hunting territories without PA Game Commission approval
- Pennsylvania Forestry Code § 4701-4756: State forest airspace — no drones in state forests or protected forest lands without Department approval
- Pennsylvania Environmental Resources Code § 3201-3213: Wetland protection — no drone flight over wetlands, marshes, or aquatic habitats
- Pennsylvania Crimes Code § 2501-2502: Assault/reckless endangerment — reckless drone operation causing injury/danger is criminal
- Pennsylvania Crimes Code § 2803: Disorderly conduct — drone operations disrupting public order are criminal offense
- Pennsylvania Parks Code § 2901-2924: State park airspace — no drone flight in state parks or public recreation areas without permit
- Pennsylvania Liquor Code § 4001+: No drone flight over licensed establishments, breweries, or alcohol sales locations for surveillance
- Pennsylvania Public Utility Code § 1517: No drone interference with utility infrastructure, power lines, communication towers, or equipment
- Pennsylvania School Code § 3701-3733: School airspace — no drone flight over school buildings, grounds, or during school-related events without authorization
- Pennsylvania Public Health Code § 701-1599: Hospital/healthcare airspace — no drone flight over hospitals, emergency rooms, health facilities
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Pennsylvania
Recreational drone pilots in Pennsylvania must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Pennsylvania
Commercial drone operations in Pennsylvania require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Pennsylvania must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.