Aerial Imaging Services in Duluth, 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

Duluth 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 Duluth requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including Duluth parks managed by the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department. Leif Erikson Park, Enger Park, and the Lakewalk along Lake Superior require prior authorization for commercial drone operations. Jay Cooke State Park requires a special use permit from the Minnesota DNR. Duluth International Airport (DLH) Class D airspace covers the northwest portion of the city — LAANC authorization is required for flights in the Class D area. The 148th Fighter Wing at DLH generates periodic military TFRs. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority requires coordination for drone operations near the port facility and vessel traffic areas. The City of Duluth Planning and Development Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the Duluth Comprehensive Plan. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.

Restricted Airspace

• Duluth International Airport (DLH) has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius, covering the northwest portion of Duluth including the Miller Hill Mall area, the Duluth International Airport industrial park, and portions of the Rice Lake Township area. LAANC authorization is required for any flights within the DLH Class D area. The airport handles regional commercial flights (Delta Connection, United Express) and general aviation, making the airspace actively managed during business hours.
• The 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard operates at Duluth International Airport, flying F-16 fighter jets. Military training routes and TFRs for military operations can affect the broader Duluth area, particularly along the Lake Superior shoreline and the approach corridors. Commercial drone operators should check NOTAMs before flying, especially during training exercises. The 148th Fighter Wing generates periodic airspace restrictions that extend beyond the standard Class D boundaries during military operations.
• The St. Louis River estuary and the Superior Harbor area form an international border zone between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Commercial drone operations near the international harbor entrance, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and the Superior Entry should be coordinated with U.S. Coast Guard Sector Duluth and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. The port area has vessel traffic and security zones that may affect low-altitude drone operations.
• Jay Cooke State Park, located approximately 10 NM southwest of Duluth along the St. Louis River, is a Minnesota state park where commercial drone operations require a special use permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The park encompasses over 8,000 acres of rugged terrain along the St. Louis River gorge. Additionally, the Superior National Forest to the north may have restrictions for drone operations in designated wilderness areas.