Drone Survey Services in Georgetown, TX

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Texas Government Code Chapter 423 restricts drone use over critical infrastructure facilities, including oil and gas pipelines, refineries, power plants, and water treatment facilities. HB 1484 (2023) added protections for agricultural operations and expanded penalties for drone surveillance of private property. Commercial operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Texas does not require a separate state drone license, but operators flying near critical infrastructure must obtain authorization from the facility owner. The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains additional guidelines for drone operations near state facilities.

Local Ordinances

Georgetown does not issue a separate city-level drone permit for commercial operators. FAA Part 107 certification and LAANC authorization for Class C airspace (AUS) and Class D airspace (EDC) are the primary requirements. Commercial filming on city property requires a permit through Georgetown Parks and Recreation. The city prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a special use permit, including Blue Hole Park, San Gabriel Park, and Garey Park. Flights from private property (with owner permission) do not require a city permit but must comply with all FAA Part 107 rules and Texas Government Code Chapter 423 critical infrastructure restrictions. Lake Georgetown dam and associated Corps of Engineers facilities are federal critical infrastructure.

Restricted Airspace

• Class C airspace around Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) — located 25 miles south. The northern shelves of AUS Class C extend into southern Williamson County. LAANC authorization is required for commercial drone flights in the southern portion of Georgetown and along the I-35 corridor approaching Austin.
• Class D airspace around Austin Executive Airport (EDC) — located 15 miles south in Manor. Drone flights within 4 nautical miles require LAANC authorization. This affects survey work in south Georgetown near SH 29 and I-35.
• Georgetown Municipal Airport (GTU) — uncontrolled Class E airspace, no LAANC required for typical commercial drone operations. However, GTU has active general aviation traffic including corporate jets and flight training operations. Pilots should monitor CTAF and maintain visual separation. High traffic during weekdays, especially morning and evening commuting hours.
• Southwestern University — while not formal restricted airspace, the campus has active security monitoring. Drone flights over the campus and adjacent residential areas should be coordinated with university security, especially during academic sessions and sporting events.
• Lake Georgetown and San Gabriel River — popular recreational areas managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Drone flights over Lake Georgetown require coordination with the Corps of Engineers office. The dam structure is critical infrastructure under TX Government Code Chapter 423.
• Wolf Ranch and River Walk development zones — large active construction sites with crane operations. Drone pilots should coordinate with site superintendents and maintain safe distance from crane swing radius and lifting operations. FAA Part 107 requires yielding right-of-way to all manned aircraft, including helicopters used for construction support.
• Sun City Texas — large active adult community (12,000+ residents) with ongoing residential construction and amenity development. While not restricted airspace, the density of residential construction creates frequent crane and helicopter activity that requires coordination.