Aerial Imaging Services in Eau Claire, 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

Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Eau Claire Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. The Chippewa and Eau Claire River corridors through downtown have active redevelopment with the Eau Claire Confluence Project and the Phoenix Park riverfront initiative, and the Eau Claire Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans. The proximity to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) Class D airspace means many commercial drone operations in central Eau Claire require LAANC authorization. The City of Eau Claire does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law, but commercial operators should contact the Eau Claire Parks Department for park permits and the Eau Claire Police Department for operations near public events.

Restricted Airspace

• Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport and reaches up to 3,000 feet MSL. Commercial drone operators in the Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls corridor should check Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the EAU Class D area through FAA-approved providers.
• The Chippewa River corridor through downtown Eau Claire has infrastructure including hydroelectric dams and the Phoenix Park redevelopment area. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near hydroelectric facilities along the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, as these may have enhanced security considerations under critical infrastructure guidelines.
• Northern Wisconsin military training routes and the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center (approximately 100 NM south) can create temporary flight restrictions. Commercial operators in the Eau Claire area should check NOTAMs for military training activities that may temporarily restrict airspace in the broader region.
• Wisconsin state parks near Eau Claire require special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. Lake Wissota State Park (approximately 10 NM east) and Brunet Island State Park (approximately 25 NM north in Chippewa County) fall under DNR jurisdiction.
• The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus has private property where commercial drone operations require authorization from the university facilities office. The campus is undergoing significant expansion with the new Sonnentag Event Center and downtown campus buildings.