Aerial Imaging Services in Lewiston, ME

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Maine require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Maine regulates drone operations primarily through LD 812 (Public Law Chapter 463, enacted 2015), which prohibits law enforcement agencies from using unmanned aerial vehicles for surveillance without a warrant, with exceptions for emergency situations, search and rescue, and national security. 17 M.R.S. § 6554 prohibits the use of drones to conduct surveillance of a private property or person without consent, and 12 M.R.S. § 11266 prohibits using drones to harass or disturb wildlife, including hunting and fishing interference. Maine does not require a separate state-level commercial drone license or registration — all commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. The state follows FAA Part 107 preemption on airspace regulation, meaning municipalities cannot enact their own airspace rules but may regulate takeoff and landing on public property. The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands prohibits drone takeoff and landing in all state parks without a special use permit. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife restricts drone operations in wildlife management areas, particularly during nesting and breeding seasons. Acadia National Park (federal) prohibits drone takeoff and landing without a research or commercial filming permit from the National Park Service. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL and LAANC authorization is available for Class B, C, and D airspace across Maine, including Portland International Jetport (PWM) Class D and Bangor International Airport (BGR) Class D. Commercial operators near Brunswick Executive Airport (BXM, former NAS Brunswick) should coordinate with airport operations for military and GA traffic patterns.

Local Ordinances

Lewiston lacks a municipal drone ordinance, but FAA Part 107 applies universally. The Lewiston Department of Public Works mandates permits for commercial drone takeoff/landing in city parks, including the Androscoggin Greenway. Nearby Moosehorn NWR (north of Lewiston) requires federal permits for any wildlife management-related flights. Recreational flyers must still comply with FAA altitude and line-of-sight rules, especially near schools (e.g., Lewiston High School) or public gatherings.

Restricted Airspace

• The PWM Class C airspace (Portland International Jetport) extends southward but does not directly impact Lewiston proper. LAANC approval is typically unnecessary for operations within city limits unless conducting flights near the I-95 corridor, where medevac helicopters (e.g., LifeLink II) and news choppers frequently operate. Always verify NOTAMs for temporary restrictions.
• The Androscoggin River corridor, particularly near the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) to the north, is subject to FAA Part 107 restrictions. Wildlife management activities and riverine access points may require additional coordination with the Maine Department of Marine Fisheries.
• Downtown Lewiston, especially along Merrimack Street and the Androscoggin River waterfront, is a high-traffic pedestrian and commercial zone. Drone operations must adhere to FAA Part 107 height and visibility limits to avoid disrupting businesses or public events like the Lewiston Farmers Market.
• Adjacent Auburns downtown core (e.g., the Auburn Mall and Route 302 corridor) shares similar FAA Part 107 constraints. The Auburn College (Maine Community College) campus may also impose local restrictions during academic events.
• I-95 and Route 302 are critical commuter arteries with heavy truck and vehicle traffic. Drone pilots must avoid these corridors to prevent collisions or FAA violations, particularly during rush hours (6–9 AM and 4–7 PM).