Drone footage sells listings, but flying a drone for commercial purposes is regulated. If you're an agent in northern New England, here's what you need to know so your listings stay compliant.
Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
Any drone flight done for business, including marketing a listing, falls under the FAA's Part 107 rule. The pilot must hold a current Remote Pilot Certificate. This is federal law and applies identically in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. A neighbor with a hobby drone is not legally cleared to shoot your listing.
Controlled airspace and LAANC
Much of the desirable coastline sits in or near controlled airspace. Portland is near the Portland International Jetport; Portsmouth sits near Pease and Portsmouth airspace; Salem is near Beverly and Boston airspace. Flying there legally requires LAANC authorization, an automated FAA approval system. A licensed operator secures this before the shoot.
State and local considerations
The three states largely defer to federal rules for the airspace itself, but local ordinances can restrict takeoff and landing from public parks, beaches, and conservation land. Coastal towns with wildlife areas, including parts of Scarborough near the marsh, may have additional restrictions. A professional operator checks these before flying.
Insurance matters
Most brokerages require proof of liability insurance, commonly $1M, before any drone flies over a client's property. Always confirm your media partner carries it and can provide a certificate.
The agent's checklist
- Part 107 certified pilot, ask to see the certificate.
- Liability insurance, $1M is the common standard.
- LAANC authorization for any controlled-airspace listing.
- Local takeoff/landing rules confirmed for parks and beaches.
Flyover Creative handles all four across ME, NH, and MA so you never have to think about it. Ask us about a specific address and we'll confirm the airspace before we book.