Aerial Imaging Services in Fitchburg, 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

Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Fitchburg Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. The Fitchburg Planning and Zoning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for development projects in the Fitchburg Technology Campus, the Highway 14 corridor, and the South Point Road commercial district. While Fitchburg is south of the Dane County Regional Airport Class C airspace, operators conducting missions toward Madison should check airspace boundaries.

Restricted Airspace

• Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) Class C airspace extends approximately 5 NM from the airport and reaches up to 4,000 feet MSL. Fitchburg is located south of the MSN Class C area, but operators conducting long-range missions toward Madison should check Class C boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app. LAANC authorization is available for the MSN Class C area through FAA-approved providers.
• The Capital City State Trail and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lands in the Fitchburg area have environmental protection considerations. Commercial drone operations over natural areas may require coordination with the Wisconsin DNR.
• The Fitchburg technology and industrial parks, including the Fitchburg Technology Campus, have enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. Operators should coordinate with facility management for flights over industrial and technology park areas.
• The UW Arboretum, located north of Fitchburg, has environmental research protections that restrict drone flights. Commercial operators should avoid the Arboretum boundary and coordinate with the University of Wisconsin-Madison for any research-related aerial imaging needs.
• The Nine Springs Creek corridor and the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District facilities have environmental infrastructure considerations. Commercial drone operators should coordinate with the sewerage district for operations near treatment facilities and the creek corridor.