Part 107 in Massachusetts: Boston and Cape Cod
Boston sits under Class B airspace, and Cape Cod National Seashore is National Park Service land where drones are prohibited. What to plan for.
Massachusetts concentrates its Part 107 hurdles at the two places most people want to fly. Boston and its inner suburbs sit under the Class B airspace around Logan International. On the Cape, the National Seashore is National Park Service land, where drones are prohibited.
This guide focuses on what makes flying in Massachusetts different. State and local rules on privacy, trespass and parks still apply, and the Part 107 rules apply everywhere.
How do you fly under Boston's Class B?
Prior authorization is required under §107.41. LAANC grants it up to the facility map altitude for each grid; near Logan the ceiling may be zero.
Can you fly at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Generally no. Under National Park Service Policy Memorandum 14-05, park superintendents use 36 CFR 1.5 to prohibit launching, landing or operating drones on park lands and waters, with limited exceptions; see the NPS policy. A Part 107 certificate does not change that.
What weather matters on the coast?
Sea breezes and coastal fog change conditions quickly. Check visibility against the 3 statute mile minimum, and read the cloud clearance post.
What this means for the exam
Massachusetts-specific rules are not on the FAA knowledge test, which covers federal rules only. The federal topics here, airspace authorization, restricted areas, weather limits and performance, are.
Other states are compared in the state drone laws guide.
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