Topographic Data Collection in Brockton, MA

Airports & LAANC Zones

• BOS — Boston Logan International Airport (Class B airspace, 20 NM north — major international hub; outer BOS Class B shelves at higher altitudes over northern Plymouth County)
• BED — Laurence G. Hanscom Field (Class D airspace, 35 NM north in Bedford, MA — busiest GA airport in New England; LAANC available)
• PVC — Plymouth Municipal Airport (Class E airspace, 12 NM southeast in Plymouth, MA — GA airport; no LAANC required for Class E)
• OWD — Norwood Memorial Airport (Class D airspace, 12 NM northwest in Norwood, MA — GA and corporate; LAANC available)

Restricted Airspace

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) Class B airspace extends over much of eastern Massachusetts. While Brockton is 20 NM south of the BOS Class B core, the outer shelves of the BOS Class B may extend into northern Plymouth County at higher altitudes (typically above 5,000 feet MSL). Commercial drone operations below 400 feet AGL in Brockton are generally below the BOS Class B lateral boundaries, but operators near the Route 128/I-95 corridor should verify altitude shelves using the FAA B4UFLY app.
• Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) has Class D airspace with a 4.4 NM radius extending from the surface to 2,600 feet MSL. While Brockton is 12 NM south of OWD, operators in northern Brockton near the Avon and Holbrook borders should verify their position relative to the OWD Class D. LAANC authorization is available through Aloft or DroneUp.
• Plymouth Municipal Airport (PVC) is in Class E airspace, 12 NM southeast of Brockton. No LAANC authorization is required for Class E airspace, but operators should be aware of traffic patterns near the airport. PVC handles GA, corporate, and flight training traffic.
• Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) in Bedford, MA is 35 NM north and conducts military flight operations. While Brockton is well outside the AFB area, the base can issue TFRs during military exercises that may affect the broader region. Commercial operators should check NOTAMs for military TFRs before flying.
• The D.W. Field Park in Brockton is a 650-acre public park under city jurisdiction, requiring Parks Department authorization for commercial drone takeoff and landing. The Blue Hills Reservation, partially in the northern edge of Brockton, is under DCR jurisdiction (350 CMR 12.00), prohibiting drone operations without a special use permit. The Salisbury Brook corridor and the Salisbury Plain have environmental monitoring requirements.

Local Ordinances

Brockton is governed by Massachusetts state drone law (MGL Ch. 90 § 48C, 2024) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Brockton does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance as of 2026, but commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property requires authorization from the Brockton Department of Public Works and Parks. City parks including D.W. Field Park, Campanelli Stadium, and the Cosentino Civic Center fields require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The Blue Hills Reservation, partially in northern Brockton, is under DCR jurisdiction, prohibiting drone operations under 350 CMR 12.00 without a special use permit. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires coordination with the Brockton Police Department. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. Operators near Norwood Memorial Airport (OWD) should verify their position relative to the OWD Class D airspace. The MBTA Commuter Rail Brockton station and the BAT (Brockton Area Transit) facilities are public infrastructure requiring coordination for commercial drone operations.