Federal drone rules apply in Pennsylvania as they do nationwide, while state and local rules may affect launch, landing, privacy, and property use.
Key federal rules this site is built around
Drone Rules HQ is not a law firm and this page is only a starting point. These are the federal sources that drive most baseline requirements (then local/property rules may add additional restrictions):
- 49 U.S.C. § 44809 (recreational exception)
- 14 CFR Part 107 (Small UAS rule / Part 107 operations)
- 14 CFR Part 89 (Remote ID)
- 14 CFR Part 48 (aircraft registration for small UAS)
What this page covers
This page is a starting point for drone rules in Pennsylvania, not a complete list of state statutes, local ordinances, park rules, or real-time airspace determinations.
Why operation type matters
Recreational flyers and Part 107 operators can face different pilot, registration, and authorization requirements. This page is intended to help visitors start their research, not replace current FAA or local-source verification.
Recreational flyers
Recreational flyers must follow the FAA recreational framework, including using current FAA tools and rules for the specific flight.
Part 107 operators
Part 107 operators must comply with federal operating requirements and may have different pilot, registration, and authorization obligations than recreational flyers.
State and local layer
State and local rules in Pennsylvania may affect where operations can begin or end even when FAA rules are satisfied.
State-specific Pennsylvania rules (official sources)
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 (Crimes Code) § 3505 addresses harassment and stalking. The statute includes conduct that harasses, alarms, or annoys another person, which can encompass drone surveillance or use of drones to harass individuals. Violations can result in criminal charges.Last reviewed: 2026-03-25
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 18 § 3509 addresses invasion of privacy. A person commits this offense by using an electronic device to secretly or surreptitiously view, photograph, or record another person in a state of undress or during a private act, in a private place where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without consent. Drones used for such purposes violate this statute.Last reviewed: 2026-03-25
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 4 § 6701 addresses trespass and airspace. While Pennsylvania generally does not grant unlimited airspace rights to landowners, flying a drone below 400 feet may constitute trespass depending on property owner objection and actual intrusion. Landowners may pursue civil remedies.Last reviewed: 2026-03-25
- Pennsylvania Wiretap and Electronic Surveillance Law (Title 18, § 5701 et seq.) makes it illegal to record wire, electronic, or oral communications without consent of all parties involved. Operating a drone to intercept audio communications without consent violates Pennsylvania law and can result in criminal penalties.Last reviewed: 2026-03-25
FAA tools and what to check next
- FAA Getting Started for the baseline drone workflow and official guidance.
- FAA B4UFLY for situational awareness before flight.
- FAA LAANC if the exact launch point is in controlled airspace and authorization may be required.
- FAA Remote ID if your aircraft or operation falls under Remote ID requirements.
Before you fly in Pennsylvania
- Check FAA airspace tools
- Confirm whether authorization is required
- Obtain property owner consent before launching from private land
- Never record audio without consent of all parties
- Avoid surveillance that could be perceived as harassment
- Check launch and landing restrictions at the exact location
- Use local ordinances and property rules as a second layer, not as a replacement for FAA airspace checks