Aerial Imaging Services in Menomonie, 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

Menomonie 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 Menomonie requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Menomonie Parks and Recreation Department. The Menomonie Planning Department occasionally requires aerial imaging documentation for development projects along the Highway 25 and Highway 29 corridors and for the UW-Stout campus area. Being in uncontrolled airspace, Menomonie offers broad operating flexibility for commercial drone operators without LAANC requirements. Dunn County does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law.

Restricted Airspace

• Menomonie is in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace with no major commercial airport Class B/C/D airspace within 20 NM. Commercial drone operators have broad operating flexibility but should still check for temporary flight restrictions using the FAA B4UFLY app before flying.
• The Red Cedar River corridor through Menomonie and Lake Menomin have environmental protection considerations. Commercial drone operations over the lake and river corridor may require coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, particularly during environmental monitoring and water quality assessment projects.
• The University of Wisconsin-Stout campus has enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. UW-Stout is a polytechnic university with research facilities and labs. Operators should coordinate with UW-Stout Facilities Management for flights over campus property.
• The Wilson Place Museum and the historic downtown Menomonie district have preservation considerations for low-altitude aerial documentation. While not a flight restriction, operators should be mindful of privacy and coordinate with the Menomonie Historic Preservation Commission for commercial filming or aerial imaging near historic structures.
• The Dunn County agricultural areas surrounding Menomonie have seasonal considerations. Commercial drone operators conducting agricultural aerial imaging should coordinate with landowners and be aware of crop dusting operations during the growing season.