Aerial Imaging Services in Bloomington, MN

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Minnesota regulates drones through Minnesota Statutes Chapter 360 (Aeronautics), with specific UAS provisions in MN Statute 360.0627 prohibiting the use of drones for surveillance of private property without consent, and MN Statute 360.065 requiring UAS registration with the state for a $5 surcharge on commercial operators in addition to FAA registration. MN Statute 360.071 and 626.19 require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, and wildfire management. Minnesota does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. The Minnesota Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division maintains oversight of aviation infrastructure including UAS integration planning and coordinates with the FAA on airspace matters. The state preempts local municipalities from regulating drone flight paths or navigable airspace, though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Commercial drone operations in Minnesota state parks require a special use permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Operators near military installations (the 133rd Airlift Wing at MSP, the Minnesota National Guard facilities at Arden Hills, Camp Ripley) must coordinate with base operations and check for active TFRs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL. Minnesota has a state UAS registration requirement ($5 surcharge per aircraft) beyond FAA registration under MN Statute 360.065.

Local Ordinances

Bloomington is governed by Minnesota state drone law (MN Statutes Chapter 360, including 360.0627 privacy provisions and 360.065 state UAS registration surcharge) with local regulations limited by state preemption of flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Bloomington requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including Bloomington parks managed by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Division. Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Three Rivers Park District) and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge both require special authorization for commercial drone operations. MSP International Airport Class B airspace covers much of Bloomington — LAANC authorization is required for most commercial flights in the city. The City of Bloomington Planning Division requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the Bloomington Comprehensive Plan. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft for commercial operators under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.

Restricted Airspace

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Class B airspace is the dominant restriction for Bloomington. The MSP Class B surface area and shelf layers extend directly over Bloomington, particularly the south and east portions of the city near the Minnesota River valley and the Mall of America. The Class B surface area covers the area south of I-494 and east of I-35W, including the Bloomington Central Station development and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge area. LAANC authorization is required for any flights within the MSP Class B boundaries — use the FAA B4UFLY app or a LAANC provider app to check boundaries. Much of Bloomington falls within Class B shelf layers at various altitudes.
• The MSP Class B inner surface area extends over the Bloomington ferry field and the Hyland Lake Park Reserve area in southwest Bloomington. Commercial operators in the I-494 corridor, the South Loop district near Mall of America, and the Normandale area should all check Class B boundaries before every flight. LAANC authorization is available through FAA-approved providers for the MSP Class B area.
• The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Minnesota River in south Bloomington, is federal wildlife refuge land managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Commercial drone operations over the refuge require a special use permit from the refuge manager. The refuge encompasses approximately 14,000 acres along the Minnesota River valley, and drone operations near the Louisville Swamp and Black Dog Lake units should be coordinated with refuge staff.
• The Mall of America and the adjacent Bloomington Central Station transit hub may have periodic security-related TFRs or local restrictions during major events, conventions, or VIP visits. Commercial drone operators should check NOTAMs before flying near the Mall of America complex. The Minnesota National Guard facilities at MSP Airport and the Arden Hills training site (TCAAP) approximately 20 NM north may also generate occasional TFRs affecting the broader metro.