Frequently asked
Is it safe to fly a drone in Portland today?
The live score above pulls today's forecast and scores wind, gusts, visibility, precipitation, and temperature into a single flight verdict. 90+ is ideal. Below 60, conditions require caution or postponement. Portland's persistent low cloud cover and drizzle from fall through spring make daily condition checks especially important.
Where can I fly a drone in Portland?
Popular options include Sauvie Island (open farmland, check current seasonal closures), the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side outside restricted corridors, and open areas in the Tualatin Valley. Portland has restricted airspace around PDX (Class C) and Pearson Airfield across the river in Vancouver — always verify with FAA B4UFLY before flying.
What wind speed is too high for drone flying?
Above 10–12 mph sustained, footage quality degrades. Above 20 mph or with gusts 15+ mph above sustained wind, most consumer drones are at risk. DroneCast scores wind and gusts separately — both matter for safety and shot quality.
What is DroneCast by LightCast Suite?
DroneCast scores flight conditions using wind, gusts, precipitation, visibility, and temperature. GoldCast (same app) scores golden hour quality and timing. Free on web at
lightcastsuite.com/dronecast, full features in the
LightCast iOS app. $2.99/month after a 7-day free trial.
