The Township has recently received numerous complaints regarding drone activity. Currently, there is no ordinance in place to regulate drone usage. We kindly request that all residents exercise courtesy and respect toward their neighbors. If you intend to operate a drone, please inform your neighbors. Drones have been associated with issues, including scaring livestock and unauthorized launches from prohibited areas within the township, such as the railroad tracks. Furthermore, any nighttime drone operations require the use of lights on the aircraft.
Be aware, in Pennsylvania, personal drone regulations primarily follow federal FAA rules, but state law prohibits using a drone for surveillance in a private place, to create fear of injury, or to deliver contraband. All drones weighing over 0.55 lbs. must be registered with the FAA and have Remote ID, while recreational pilots must pass the TRUST test and carry proof of both registrations and the test. It is illegal to fly dangerously, and some state parks have designated drone-flying areas only.
Federal regulations (apply in PA)
- TRUST test: All recreational drone pilots must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion.
- FAA Registration: Drones weighing over 0.55 lbs (
250250250 grams) must be registered with the FAA.
- Remote ID: Drones requiring FAA registration must also broadcast Remote ID information, unless flown within a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).
- Visual Line of Sight: You must keep your drone within your visual line of sight at all times.
- Altitude: Do not fly higher than 400 feet above ground level.
- Safety: Do not fly in a dangerous manner or interfere with manned aircraft or emergency response activities.
Pennsylvania state and local regulations
- Prohibited acts: It is illegal to use a drone to:
- Conduct surveillance of another person in a private place.
- Operate it in a way that causes reasonable fear of bodily injury to another person.
- Deliver contraband
