Aerial Imaging Services in Manitowoc, 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

Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Manitowoc Parks and Recreation Department. The Manitowoc Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans along the lakefront and the Eighth Street corridor. Manitowoc County Airport (MTW) is uncontrolled, so LAANC authorization is not required for most of the Manitowoc area. The City of Manitowoc does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law.

Restricted Airspace

• Manitowoc County Airport (MTW) is an uncontrolled airport with no Class D or Class C airspace. Commercial drone operators in the Manitowoc area have fewer airspace restrictions than at controlled airports, but should still check for NOTAMs and coordinate with airport management for operations within 5 NM.
• The Lake Michigan shoreline has environmental protection guidelines during migratory bird seasons. Commercial drone operations along the lakeshore should coordinate with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and avoid disturbing nesting and migration areas.
• The Manitowoc 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.
• Point Beach State Forest (approximately 20 NM north) requires special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. The forest includes protected shoreline and dune ecosystems along Lake Michigan.
• The Point Beach Nuclear Plant (approximately 20 NM north) has restricted airspace and security zones. Commercial drone operators must avoid the nuclear facility area and coordinate with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for any operations near the plant perimeter.