Aerial Imagery in Portland, OR

Airports & LAANC Zones

• PDX - Portland International Airport (Class C, towered, 6 miles northeast, major commercial hub for the Pacific Northwest)
• TTD - Portland-Troutdale Airport (uncontrolled, GA, 10 miles east, reliever airport for PDX)
• HIO - Hillsboro Airport (uncontrolled, busy GA, 10 miles west, busiest GA airport in Oregon)

Restricted Airspace

• PDX Class C airspace covers much of northeast and east Portland, extending north into Vancouver, WA. LAANC authorization is required for commercial drone flights within the Class C area. The Class C shelf varies by altitude with lower shelves near the airport. Check FAA UAS Facility Maps for specific altitude grids.
• Portland AGB (Air National Guard) operates from PDX. The 142nd Wing conducts F-15 operations. Military training routes and alert areas may be active. Coordinate with PDX Tower for flights near ANG facilities on the south side of the field.
• The Columbia River between Portland and Vancouver has active marine traffic including barges, tugs, and recreational boating. The I-5 and I-205 bridges are critical infrastructure. Maintain visual line of sight and avoid flying directly over bridge structures.
• Providence Park, Moda Center, and Portland International Raceway may have temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) during events. Check NOTAMs before flying near large gathering venues. The Rose Quarter and Convention Center area may have enhanced security airspace during high-profile events.
• Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the US. While not a formal flight restriction, the canopy density and trail usage make drone operations challenging. Washington Park and the Oregon Zoo have high visitor traffic. Portland Parks Bureau requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on park property.

Local Ordinances

Portland requires a business license for commercial drone operations. Portland Parks and Recreation requires a special use permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing in city parks, including Forest Park, Washington Park, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The city prohibits drone operations that endanger public safety or violate privacy under Portland City Code 14A.60. Much of east and northeast Portland is within PDX Class C airspace requiring LAANC authorization. Operators near the Portland Air National Guard Base at PDX should coordinate with base operations. Oregon state law (ORS 837.300-.340) governs privacy protections and surveillance restrictions statewide.