Aerial Imaging Services in Appleton, WI

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Wisconsin regulates drones primarily through Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 114 (Aeronautics), with WI Statute 114.05 addressing unmanned aircraft systems and requiring commercial operators to hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. WI Statute 942.10 prohibits using a drone to capture images or video of individuals in private places without their consent, treating unauthorized surveillance as a Class A misdemeanor. WI Statute 165.87 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, wildfire management, and national security. Wisconsin Act 342 (enacted 2017) established the state UAS framework, preempting local municipalities from regulating drone flight paths or navigable airspace while allowing cities to regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Wisconsin does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators beyond FAA Part 107 certification, and does not mandate state UAS registration. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics maintains oversight of aviation infrastructure and coordinates with the FAA on UAS integration. Commercial drone operations in Wisconsin state parks require a special use permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Operators near military installations (Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Truax Field Air National Guard base in Madison, Fort McCoy) must coordinate with base operations and check for active TFRs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL.

Local Ordinances

Appleton operates under Wisconsin state drone law (WI Statutes Chapter 114, including 114.05 UAS regulations and 942.10 privacy provisions) with local regulations limited by state preemption of flight paths and navigable airspace under Wisconsin Act 342. The City of Appleton requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Appleton Parks and Recreation Department. The Fox River corridor through Appleton is a focal point for development and waterfront revitalization, and the Appleton Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans submitted under the Appleton Comprehensive Plan. The proximity to Appleton International Airport (ATW) Class D airspace means many commercial drone operations in central Appleton require LAANC authorization. The Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce coordinate with drone operators for event coverage, which requires additional permits. The City of Appleton does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law, but commercial operators should contact the Appleton Parks and Recreation Department for park permits and the Appleton Police Department for operations near public events.

Restricted Airspace

• Appleton International Airport (ATW) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport and reaches up to 3,000 feet MSL. Commercial drone operators in central Appleton and the Fox River corridor between Appleton and Neenah-Menasha should check Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the ATW Class D area through FAA-approved providers.
• Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) in Oshkosh hosts EAA AirVenture annually (typically late July), which triggers a large temporary Class D airspace expansion and special flight procedures. During AirVenture week, the Oshkosh area has some of the most complex temporary airspace in the country. Commercial drone operators within 15 NM of Oshkosh should check NOTAMs and TFRs during late July each year, as the temporary airspace can affect operations as far north as the southern Appleton metro area.
• The Fox River corridor through downtown Appleton has infrastructure including paper mills, hydroelectric dams, and the Fox River Locks system. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near hydroelectric facilities and paper mill operations along the Fox River, as these may have enhanced security considerations under critical infrastructure guidelines. The Locks system is managed by the Fox River Navigational System Authority.
• Wisconsin state parks in the Fox River Valley require special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. Nearby High Cliff State Park (approximately 15 NM southwest on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago) and Hartman Creek State Park (approximately 20 NM southwest) fall under DNR jurisdiction.
• Lawrence University in downtown Appleton has private campus property where commercial drone operations require authorization from the university facilities office. The Bubolz Nature Preserve north of Appleton also restricts drone operations under its nature preserve management plan.