Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations
/ Noise Management / Drones

The Port of Portland 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 Port of Portland prohibits recreational UAS operations on Port properties including aviation, marine, industrial, and environmental properties. Requests for commercial and public UAS operations require a permit obtained through the Port of Portland. All applications are subject to Port approval. A minimum of 5 business days is required to process applications. 

For more information, call the Pilot Information Line at 503-460-4111 and select the option for “unmanned aviation”, or email us at drones@portofportland.com.

 

Operating Rules

 

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 associated with the operation.

  • Operate in compliance with community-based safety guidelines, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) safety code found here: http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/105.pdf
  • 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.

Operations for commercial or business purposes are classified as “commercial UAS operations” and subject 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. 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 manned 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: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_work_business/

To determine if you will be operating within 5 miles of an airport, please visit: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/air-space-map/. 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 Portland International (PDX), Hillsboro (HIO), or Troutdale (TTD) Airports operators must provide advance notice to both the airport and air traffic control. 

Port of Portland Notification – Please submit notifications via this form. For questions about UAS operations or federal/state/local regulatory requirements, please call the Pilot Information Line and select the option for “unmanned aviation”: 503-460-4111 or email us at  drones@portofportland.com. 

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

PDX Control Tower: (503) 493-7500 or (503) 493-7503. 
HIO Control Tower: (503) 615-5484 
TTD Control Tower: (503) 674-3512 

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

 

 

 

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.