Environmental Monitoring in Duluth, MN

Airports & LAANC Zones

• DLH — Duluth International Airport (Class D airspace, located approximately 10 NM northwest of downtown — regional commercial and general aviation airport serving the Twin Ports)
• CKN — Sky Harbor Airport (uncontrolled airspace, located on Minnesota Point near the harbor entrance — small general aviation seaplane base)
• SUW — Richard I. Bong Airport (Class D airspace, located in Superior, WI approximately 6 NM south — general aviation reliever serving the Twin Ports)
• HIB — Range Regional Airport (Class D airspace, located approximately 60 NM north in Hibbing — regional airport serving the Iron Range)

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.

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.