Aerial Imaging Services in Ann Arbor, MI

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Michigan regulates drone operations primarily through the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.). The Act prohibits using drones to surveil or photograph individuals without consent in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and restricts drone use for hunting and fishing harassment. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Michigan does not require additional state-level drone registration or licensing beyond FAA requirements. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) uses drones for infrastructure inspection and has published guidelines for aerial work near state highways. Local municipalities may enact reasonable regulations on takeoff and landing locations but cannot conflict with FAA airspace authority. Operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for commercial aerial imaging projects.

Local Ordinances

The City of Ann Arbor regulates drone operations through its park system rules and general municipal code. Commercial drone operators conducting business within city limits must hold a valid City of Ann Arbor business license. Drone takeoff and landing in Ann Arbor parks requires coordination with the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department — operations in Nichols Arboretum, the Huron River corridor, Gallup Park, and Barton Park are restricted without prior authorization. The University of Michigan prohibits unauthorized drone flights over campus property, including the Diag, athletic facilities, and research buildings; operators must coordinate with U-M Public Safety. Operations near Michigan Stadium (The Big House) are subject to FAA TFRs on NCAA football game days. Operations near Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB) and Willow Run Airport (YIP) require LAANC authorization through the FAA. The Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (MCL 259.301 et seq.) prohibits surveillance of individuals without consent and restricts drone use for hunting harassment. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million for drone aerial imaging projects. The Huron River Greenway and Border-to-Border Trail have guidelines for aerial activity near pedestrians and cyclists.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D: Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB/KARB) Surface Area. Ann Arbor Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport located on the south side of the city near I-94 and Ellsworth Road. Class D airspace extends approximately 4 nautical miles from the airport up to 2,600 ft MSL. The airport handles corporate traffic, flight training, and charter operations. Commercial drone operators within this airspace must obtain LAANC authorization before flight. The Class D area covers southern Ann Arbor, Briarwood Mall area, and portions of Pittsfield Township. The proximity to the University of Michigan athletic campus and research facilities makes airspace coordination important for any drone aerial imaging missions in the southern and central portions of the city.
• Class D: Willow Run Airport (YIP/KYIP) Surface Area. Willow Run Airport, located approximately 8 miles east of downtown Ann Arbor near Ypsilanti, was built during World War II for bomber production. Now a cargo and general aviation facility, its Class D airspace extends approximately 4.4 nautical miles up to 3,000 ft MSL. This covers eastern Ann Arbor, the Washtenaw Community College area, and the I-94 commercial corridor east of the city. Commercial drone operators must obtain LAANC authorization for flights within this area. The airport handles significant cargo traffic and is adjacent to the GM Willow Run transmission plant complex.
• Class C: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW/KDTW) Proximity. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, located approximately 25 miles east of Ann Arbor, is the primary international commercial airport for Southeast Michigan. While its Class C airspace does not directly cover Ann Arbor, the outer shelves and transition routes can affect drone operations in eastern Washtenaw County. Commercial operators conducting drone aerial imaging missions east of Ypsilanti or near the I-94 corridor toward Detroit should check LAANC grid squares and NOTAMs before flight. DTW handles over 30 million passengers annually with heavy commercial and cargo traffic.
• Special Use: University of Michigan Campus and Athletic Facilities. The University of Michigan campus includes high-profile athletic facilities such as Michigan Stadium (The Big House, capacity 107,601), Crisler Center, and Yost Ice Arena. FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) apply over large sporting events with seating capacity over 30,000 during NCAA football game days, creating a 3 NM radius no-drone zone up to 3,000 ft AGL. The university research campus, including the North Campus Research Complex and the Michigan Medicine medical center, has security protocols for aerial activity. Operators should check TFRs before any scheduled game days and coordinate with University of Michigan security for aerial imaging near campus facilities.
• Infrastructure: I-94 / US-23 / M-14 Highway Interchange Corridors. Ann Arbor sits at the convergence of three major highways: I-94 (east-west to Detroit and Jackson), US-23 (north-south to Flint and Toledo), and M-14 (northwest to Plymouth and I-275/I-96). The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. The Huron River flows through the city with multiple bridge structures requiring periodic inspection. Commercial drone operators near highway bridges and interchanges should coordinate with MDOT and follow FAA guidance for critical infrastructure inspection. The Eisenhower Parkway corridor and State Street commercial corridors have ongoing development requiring aerial monitoring.