Aerial Imaging Services in Fond du Lac, 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

Fond du Lac 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 Fond du Lac requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Fond du Lac Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. The Fond du Lac Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans along the Washington Street corridor and the Lakeside Park area. The proximity to Fond du Lac County Airport (FLD) Class D airspace means commercial drone operations in the Fond du Lac area require LAANC authorization. The City of Fond du Lac does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law.

Restricted Airspace

• Fond du Lac County Airport (FLD) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport and reaches up to 3,000 feet MSL. Commercial drone operators in the Fond du Lac area should check Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the FLD Class D area through FAA-approved providers.
• The Lake Winnebago shoreline on the eastern edge of Fond du Lac has environmental protection guidelines. Commercial drone operations over the lake and shoreline areas should coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, particularly during migratory bird seasons.
• The Fond du Lac River corridor through downtown has infrastructure including dams and water management facilities. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near these facilities under critical infrastructure guidelines.
• The Northern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest (approximately 20 NM southeast) requires special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. This glacial feature area is a popular recreational destination with environmental protection designations.