Part 107 in Pennsylvania: Two Class B Cities

Pennsylvania is one of the few states with two Class B areas, around Philadelphia International and Pittsburgh International. Much of the work in both metros needs prior authorization. And some of the state's best-known historic sites, such as Gettysburg, are National Park Service units where drones are prohibited.

How do you fly under Philadelphia's or Pittsburgh's Class B?

Prior authorization is required under §107.41. LAANC approves requests up to the facility map altitude; near either airport the ceiling may be zero.

Can you fly at Gettysburg?

Gettysburg National Military Park is a National Park Service unit. 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.

How do you read the airspace?

Class B rings appear in solid blue with floor and ceiling altitudes. The sectional chart guide explains them.

What this means for the exam

Pennsylvania-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.

Pennsylvania's own drone statute, its ban on local drone ordinances and the six state park flying sites are in the Pennsylvania drone laws post. Other states are compared in the state drone laws guide.