Los Angeles Drone Permits: How Filming With a Drone Actually Gets Approved

Adding a drone to an LA shoot isn't hard, but it is a stack of separate approvals from separate agencies, and a missing page can get the drone pulled off your permit. This guide covers what each piece is, who's responsible for it, and how long it takes. It's written for producers, location managers and ADs, by a Los Angeles drone crew that does this paperwork every week. It's a practical overview, not legal advice; rules change, so check the current FilmLA and FAA requirements for your dates.

The Short Version

A commercial drone shot in Los Angeles usually needs four things:

  1. An FAA-certified pilot and a registered aircraft (Part 107, or additional FAA authority for aircraft over 55 lbs).
  2. Airspace authorization, if the location is in controlled airspace, which much of LA is.
  3. A film permit with the drone added to it, from FilmLA or the city's own film office.
  4. Aviation insurance with the right named endorsements.

The production pulls the film permit. The drone company supplies the drone half of the package. At Lithium Aerials we prepare all of the drone-specific paperwork and work directly with your locations team.

FAA Rules: Part 107 and Beyond

Part 107 pilot certificate

Commercial drone pilots fly under 14 CFR Part 107 and hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. The certificate doesn't expire, but pilots must complete recurrent training every 24 calendar months, and FilmLA asks for proof that it's current. Foreign licenses aren't accepted for commercial flights.

Registration

Every aircraft must be registered for commercial use. Aircraft over 55 lbs are registered differently (with an N-number) and need additional FAA authority to fly. Lithium Aerials holds an FAA Section 44807 exemption for aircraft over 55 lbs, which is what lets us fly full cinema packages on heavy-lift drones.

Night shoots

Night flights no longer need a waiver. The pilot needs current training that meets the 2021 rule and the aircraft needs anti-collision lighting visible for three statute miles. FilmLA checks that the pilot's test or training was issued on or after April 21, 2021, if you're flying more than 30 minutes before sunrise or after sunset.

Airspace: Why LA Is Different

Los Angeles is one of the most layered airspace environments in the country. LAX sits under Class B airspace. Hollywood Burbank Airport has its own Class C right next to it, and Van Nuys and Whiteman have Class D underneath Burbank's. Add Santa Monica, Hawthorne, Long Beach, Torrance, El Monte and the helipads, and a large share of the basin is controlled airspace.

LAANC

For most locations we request authorization through LAANC, the FAA's automated system. Requests at or below the altitudes on the FAA's facility maps are typically approved in near real time. If the shot needs to go higher than the grid allows (up to 400 ft), that's a "further coordination" request, which has to be submitted at least 72 hours ahead and is reviewed by air traffic managers.

FAADroneZone

Some requests can't go through LAANC and are handled manually through FAADroneZone. The FAA says those can take up to eight weeks. If your location needs one, the earlier we know, the better.

TFRs

Temporary flight restrictions pop up around stadium events, VIP movements, wildfires and other incidents. They can close airspace that was clear yesterday. We check TFRs and NOTAMs while planning and again on the shoot day.

FilmLA and Local Film Offices

FilmLA coordinates film permits for the City of Los Angeles, unincorporated LA County and a number of other jurisdictions. Some cities run their own film offices, including Burbank. FilmLA's partners require a film permit for any commercial filming with a drone, including scouts, camera tests and b-roll.

What FilmLA asks for

FilmLA's drone packet includes:

  • A completed drone questionnaire, with times that match the permit
  • The pilot's certificate and current knowledge test or training
  • Commercial registration for each aircraft
  • A written plan of activity with maps
  • FAA airspace authorization for anything outside Class G
  • Aviation insurance: a $2 million certificate and endorsement naming FilmLA and its entities, plus one naming the jurisdiction
  • In the City of LA, a Hold Harmless from both the production company and the drone company, with insurance uploaded by the broker through Kwikcomply

The deadline that matters

The drone packet is due by noon on the permit application deadline for that jurisdiction. Incomplete drone paperwork isn't accepted, and the drone activity gets removed from the permit. This is the most common way drones fall off a shoot.

Who Does What

  • Production / locations: pulls the film permit, books the location, fills out the drone questionnaire with the right times.
  • Lithium Aerials: plan of activity and maps, airspace authorizations, pilot and registration documents, and certificates of insurance with the required endorsements. We carry $5 million in aviation liability coverage, and COIs are typically turned around the same or next business day.
  • Both: agree on flight times and areas early, so the questionnaire, the authorization and the permit all say the same thing.

Timeline

Our lead time usually follows the film commission's timeline, typically 3 business days. Plan longer when the location needs a manual FAA authorization, a "further coordination" request, or a jurisdiction with extra review.

Talk to Us Before You Lock the Location

A five-minute call can tell you whether a location is easy, needs a different time window, or needs a plan B. Contact us or call 323-505-7104. See our work and drone services.

LA Drone Permit FAQ

Do I need a permit to film with a drone in Los Angeles?

For commercial filming, yes. FilmLA's partner jurisdictions require a film permit with the drone added, plus FAA documentation and insurance. Other cities, like Burbank, require a permit through their own film office.

Who pulls the FilmLA permit, the production or the drone company?

The production pulls the permit. The drone company provides the drone documents: plan of activity, airspace authorization, pilot certificate, registration and insurance.

How long does drone permitting take in LA?

Typically about 3 business days, following the film commission's timeline. Manual FAA authorizations can take much longer, so flag unusual locations early.

Can you fly near LAX or Burbank airport?

Often, yes, with FAA authorization through LAANC or FAADroneZone and within the approved altitude. Some areas very close to airports are restricted to low altitudes or not available.

What insurance does FilmLA require for drones?

FilmLA requires a $2 million aviation certificate with an endorsement naming FilmLA and its entities, plus one naming the jurisdiction. Lithium Aerials carries $5 million in aviation liability coverage.