Aerial Imaging Services in Midland, MI

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Michigan require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Michigan regulates drone operations primarily through the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.). The Act prohibits using drones to surveil or photograph individuals without consent in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and restricts drone use for hunting and fishing harassment. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Michigan does not require additional state-level drone registration or licensing beyond FAA requirements. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) uses drones for infrastructure inspection and has published guidelines for aerial work near state highways. Local municipalities may enact reasonable regulations on takeoff and landing locations but cannot conflict with FAA airspace authority. Operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for commercial aerial imaging projects.

Local Ordinances

Midland operates under the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.) which preempts local regulation of drone flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Midland requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in city parks requires coordination with the Midland Parks and Recreation Department, including Chippewassee Park, Central Park, and Plymouth Park. Operations near the Dow Chemical Company manufacturing complex require coordination with Dow security. Operations near MBS International Airport Class D airspace require LAANC authorization. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.

Restricted Airspace

• Midland is near Class D airspace centered on MBS International Airport (MBS), located approximately 8 NM southeast in Freeland. The Class D surface area extends approximately 4.5 NM radius from MBS up to 3,000 feet AGL. Most of downtown Midland is outside the Class D surface area but operators should check the FAA B4UFLY app for specific boundaries. Flights in the southeastern part of Midland near the MBS approach path may require LAANC authorization.
• The Dow Chemical Company global headquarters campus is a major critical infrastructure consideration. The Dow Michigan Operations facility is one of the largest integrated chemical manufacturing sites in the world, covering approximately 5,000 acres along the Tittabawassee River. Industrial and chemical manufacturing facilities have enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. The Dow corporate campus and the Global Dow Center headquarters building have ongoing facility expansion and renovation activity. Operators should coordinate with Dow security for any flights near the manufacturing complex.
• The Tittabawassee River corridor and the Chippewa River watershed have environmental monitoring considerations. The Tittabawassee River flows through the heart of Midland and has ongoing environmental remediation and monitoring demand related to historical industrial contamination. The Chippewa Nature Center and the Chippewassee Park system have recreational and environmental considerations. Operations near the river corridor should coordinate with the Michigan EGLE and the Midland County Drain Commissioner.
• Midland is home to the Midland Center for the Arts, the Dow Gardens, and the Chippewa Nature Center, which have educational facility and privacy considerations. The Midland Center for the Arts campus includes the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, a National Historic Landmark. The Dow Gardens botanical facility and the Whiting Forest canopy walk have visitor safety considerations for drone operations. Operations near these facilities should coordinate with facility management.
• The US-10 expressway corridor and the M-20 highway are major infrastructure assets. MDOT Bay Region manages state highway infrastructure in the area. The Eastman Avenue and Business US-10 corridor have ongoing commercial development. The St. Andrews Road and Patrick Road corridors have industrial and corporate facility development. The Midland County Road Commission has an active construction and infrastructure inspection program.