Understanding Drones and the Law in Oregon

For those who have not taken the plunge yet, learning about starting a business can seem like a daunting task. From obtaining permits to hiring staff, there are countless considerations. Fortunately, there are advancements, such as technology, that help budding and established entrepreneurs. One innovation has proven to be of tremendous value to various enterprises: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones for short.

Oregon is home to numerous tech startups, and many of them utilize drones to help improve their services for customers. For instance, a laundry services company provides consumers with free drone-based pickup and delivery throughout Portland. The delivery hubs established by this company often face increased demand during weekends and after holidays. In another example, GoPro recently partnered with Skycatch, a California-based company, to provide construction companies with systems that allow drones to capture high-resolution photos, videos and 3D models of job sites. This data helps firms track metrics such as volume, elevation and accuracy in real time. These examples demonstrate how valuable drones have become to business owners. But they also highlight the need for entrepreneurs to prepare for global and regional laws that continue to evolve as drones experience widespread market adoption and usage.

Businesses across industries have come to realize that drones provide a variety of benefits, some of which have the potential to save companies millions of dollars. To further clarify some of the advantages offered by drones, consider the following statistics: One Company, in its quest to maintain continual revenues, has been employing aerial drones around the world since 2015. With hundreds of licensed UAV operators in more than 25 countries, there are specific regional guidelines that must be accounted for.

The above illustrates the importance of understanding the myriad regulations associated with using drones in the commercial sector. Individuals traveling internationally with UAVs should undoubtedly consider comprehensive drone laws in Oregon, but they also need to educate themselves on the laws in their destination countries. The use of drones by civilians in countries around the world continues to increase, and so too have the number of incidents involving UAVs. These mishaps range from drones crashing into buildings to shutting down airports and colliding with commercial aircrafts. There have also been multiple incidents involving “drone terrorists,” or individuals who have used UAVs to commit crimes such as smuggling contraband and surveilling & attack targets. These issues have prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other authorities in several countries to implement laws that restrict UAV flying activities to certain areas. Additional laws also include requirements for granting licenses and permits before anyone can operate a drone commercially.

As each nation or jurisdiction implements its own laws concerning the operation of drones, it’s essential for entrepreneurs to understand such laws in order to enjoy the often lucrative benefits of using UAVs in their businesses. Drone laws in Oregon may require business owners to acquire federal and state licenses and permits before they can operate UAVs in and around Oregon. The potential penalties for violating these laws include hefty fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. On the other hand, compliance with drone laws in Oregon can have positive impacts on a business. By using drones to conduct functions such as surveying & reconnaissance, individuals can enjoy the following financial benefits: The above highlights the fact that drone technologies only work to their maximum potential if they are integrated into a business strategy. As an entrepreneur, it’s your responsibility to manage the intricacies involved in building a business that works smarter and not harder. Being non-compliant could lead to a loss of reputation and reduced trust from partners, stakeholders and consumers; you may also find yourself being investigated and arrested by law enforcement officials. This certainly doesn’t mean ditching the drones altogether. Rather, it means being compliant with the various laws regulating how UAVs can be operated.