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UAS Information

The Oregon Department of Aviation encourages you to operate your UAS in a safe and lawful manner. The information provided is intended to address general guidelines based on Federal Aviation Regulations. Operators should be familiar with all applicable requirements including all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. We recommend contacting the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance.

The ODA owns and operates 28 Airports throughout the State of Oregon within both class D and G airspace. The ODA does not permit recreational UAS operations on state airport property. Requests to operate from state property, commercially or as part of a public agency, will require authorization by the ODA. All requests are subject to ODA approval.

The Oregon Department of Aviation appreciates the time you have taken to ensure safe and compliant flight. For more information please email us at UAS@ODOT.oregon.gov.

FAA UAS Ready Reference Guide - Click Here

Contact

For other UAS Questions please email:

Phone No.
(503)378-2523
Email Address
Anthony.BEACH@odav.oregon.gov


Recreational operations are classified by the FAA as those conducted for recreational or hobby purposes only. There can be no commercial, business, or financial benefit a​ssociated with the operation.

  • Operate in compliance with community-based safety guidelines, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) safety code found here.
  • Always remain clear of manned aircraft
  • Do not exceed 400’
  • UAS must be below 55 lbs.
  • Do not operate over people
  • Do not operate near emergency responders such as firefighters or police
  • Maintain visual line-of-site at all times
  • Airport and air traffic control notification required. Notify any airport and air traffic control tower before operating within 5 miles of an airport or heliport. Instructions for operations within 5 miles of Port of Portland airports can be found in the link below
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Operations for commercial or business purposes are classified as “commercial UAS operations” and subject to the to the requirements set forth in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 107. Operations conducted under FAR Part 107 do not require advance notice to the local airport or air traffic facility.

 

If your commercial UAS operation will take place within controlled airspace, please visit the FAA DroneZone to access all the UAS information and resources needed for your operation.

 

Basic requirements under FAR Part 107 include:

 

  • Pilot must hold a Remote Pilot Certification obtained through the Federal Aviation Administration
  • Operations may be conducted within Class G airspace only
  • Pilot must keep the aircraft within visual line-of-sight​
  • Must remain below 400 feet AGL
  • Must fly during daylight hours
  • Airspeed may not exceed 100 mph
  • Must yield right of way to crewed aircraft
  • Must NOT fly over people
  • Must NOT fly from a moving vehicle
  • Aircraft weight may not exceed 55 lbs.

 

* Some requirements may be subject to FAA waiver

 

For more information visit: www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators

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To determine if you will be operating within 5 miles of a state owned airport, please see a list of our airports here and visit Know Before You Fly.

 

If you are within a mandatory notification area, please use the instructions below for providing notification to the airport and air traffic control:

 

For recreational UAS operations within 5 miles of State owned airport operators must provide advance notice to both the airport and air traffic control.

 

Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) Notification
Call the ODAV at 503-378-2211 or email us at UAS@ODOT.oregon.gov.

 

Air Traffic Control Notification
Calls during normal business hours (Monday-Friday) are recommended.

 

Aurora State Airport (UAO) Control Tower:
Call at (503) 378-2523 or email at Anthony.BEACH@odav.oregon.gov​

 

​​Please be prepared to provide the following information:
  • Pilot’s full name
  • Organization name (if applicable)
  • Mailing address
  • Contact phone number
  • Date, time, location, and duration of operation
  • Maximum altitude​​
  • Distance from airport(s)/traffic pattern
  • Operator will monitor Av Radio, and/or maintain visual separation of aircraft

 

 

Port of Portland Notification
For information on how to operate at Port of Portland properties please visit: www.portofportland.com/programs/drones​​​ ​​

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​ORS 837.360​ requires all public bodies operating UAS/Drones in the airspace over Oregon to register with the Oregon Department of Aviation.  An Educational Institution operating a UAS/Drone in the airspace over Oregon must register as a user but does not need to register each individual UAS/Drone.

You do not have to register your private use drone with the Oregon Department of Aviation.  Check with the FAA for federal registration requirements.

To Register Your Public Use UAS/Drone please submit the Oregon Registration Form with payment.  This form can be found here​.

Public Use UAS/Drone Reporting Requirements

ORS 837.360 requires public bodies that register one or more UAS/Drone to provide an annual report to the Oregon Department of Aviation.  This annual report should:

  • Summarize the frequency of use of the unmanned aircraft systems by the public body during the preceding calendar year;
  • Summarize the purposes for which the unmanned aircraft systems have been used by the public body during the preceding calendar year; and
  • Indicate how the public can access the policies and procedures established under ORS 837.362​.​

Please submit your annual report to the following email address: mail.aviation@odav.oregon.gov


 
The guidance contained herein is based on the most current information available from the FAA. This is not intended to be used as legal advice. Operators are encouraged to ensure an understanding and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local, regulatory requirements prior to operating a UAS.