Drone

An unmanned aircraft system (UAS), sometimes called a drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard—instead, the UAS is controlled from an operator on the ground.

Drone Flying for Business or Recreation

Whether flying for business, recreation, public safety, or education, it is important to know the rules when operating a UAS to fly safely and legally. Important information can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration’s website.

When flying in controlled airspace, which includes most of the Salem Metropolitan area, or within approximately 5 miles around the Salem Airport, it is important to know which rules and regulations apply to you.

Flying a drone within this controlled airspace can result in disruption of flights in/out of Salem-Willamette Valley Airport, including National Guard air rescue, and other life-saving community services like air medical transport service to Salem Hospital.

Resources

• Recreational Flying
• Certificated Piloting and Commercial Operators
• Public Safety/Government Flying
• Educational Users

Additional Information

The Salem Airport administrative offices can be reached at 503‑588‑6314 or by e-mail during normal business hours, Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Airport staff are not available after normal business hours, on weekends, or on holidays. Please note that airport workload issues may prevent staff from answering calls or returning messages in a timely manner. However, you will be contacted as soon as staff is able.