Drone Laws
in Pennsylvania (2023)

Welcome to this wiki. The goal of this wiki is to crowd-source drone information. Having said that, information may be inaccurate, out-of-date, and should not be relied upon for legal advice.

Federal Drone Laws

The Federal Aviation Administration controls where you can fly your drone
and under what conditions throughout the United States. You should become familar with the FAA's rules before flying.

Check FAA Drone Laws

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Pennsylvania State Drone Laws
These laws apply in the entire state.

Bureau of State Park

Recreational drone operations are restricted to designated flying sites in these six parks:

  • Beltzville State Park
  • Benjamin Rush State Park
  • Hillman State Park
  • Lackawanna State Park
  • Prompton State Park
  • Tuscarora State Park.

All other State Parks are off-limits for recreational drone pilots. Drone operators are advised to contact the park office in advance before any flight activity.

Bureau of State Park Regulations

 

PA Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Sec 3505

Prohibits drone flight to survey other people in private spaces, in a manner that poses risk of harm or bodily injury to people, or to transport and furnish contraband.

Ref Consolidated Statutes Title 18 Sec 3505

 

PA Consolidated Statutes Title 35 Sec 305

Supersedes any ordinance, rule, or resolution of a municipality that attempts to regulation the operations and ownership of unmanned aircraft. Unless authorized by the State, no municipality shall regulate UAS activities.

Ref Consolidated Statutes Title 35 Sec 305


Pennsylvania State Pre-emptions

Pennsylvania State Legislature maintains pre-emption for all rules and regulations that concern recreational and
commercial drone use.

City and County
Drone Laws
These laws apply in some areas.

Local drone laws in Pennsylvania refer to policies and regulations that are enacted and enforced at the county, city, or town levels.

 

Penn State University

  • All drone operations within the university shall require prior authorization by the Drone Operations Manager. Some locations will also require additional authorizations.
  • All drones flown outdoors within university grounds must be registered with the FAA and operations must be covered by insurance.

Ref SY 45 – Use of drones

Where to fly
drones in Pennsylvania

Best-Places-to-Fly-Your-Drone-in-Philadelphia

Best Places
to Fly in Philadelphia

Best-Places-to-Fly-Your-Drone-in-Pittsburgh

Best Places
to Fly in Pittsburgh

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