Aerial Imaging Services in Minneapolis, MN

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Minnesota regulates drones through Minnesota Statutes Chapter 360 (Aeronautics), with specific UAS provisions in MN Statute 360.0627 prohibiting the use of drones for surveillance of private property without consent, and MN Statute 360.065 requiring UAS registration with the state for a $5 surcharge on commercial operators in addition to FAA registration. MN Statute 360.071 and 626.19 require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, and wildfire management. Minnesota does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. The Minnesota Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division maintains oversight of aviation infrastructure including UAS integration planning and coordinates with the FAA on airspace matters. The state preempts local municipalities from regulating drone flight paths or navigable airspace, though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Commercial drone operations in Minnesota state parks require a special use permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Operators near military installations (the 133rd Airlift Wing at MSP, the Minnesota National Guard facilities at Arden Hills, Camp Ripley) must coordinate with base operations and check for active TFRs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL. Minnesota has a state UAS registration requirement ($5 surcharge per aircraft) beyond FAA registration under MN Statute 360.065.

Local Ordinances

Minneapolis is governed by Minnesota state drone law (MN Statutes Chapter 360, including 360.0627 privacy provisions and 360.065 state UAS registration surcharge) with local regulations limited by state preemption of flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Minneapolis requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including Minneapolis park system properties managed by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). MPRB manages over 6,800 acres of parkland and water surfaces, where commercial drone operations require prior authorization from the MPRB permit office. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) corridor through Minneapolis requires a special use permit for commercial drone operations. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Class B airspace covers portions of south Minneapolis — LAANC authorization is required for flights in the Class B area. The City of Minneapolis Planning and Building Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft for commercial operators under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.

Restricted Airspace

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Class B airspace is the primary restriction for the Minneapolis area. The Class B surface area extends approximately 10 NM from MSP and includes portions of south Minneapolis, particularly the Minnehaha Creek corridor and Fort Snelling area. The Class B shelf has multiple tiers — commercial drone operators in south Minneapolis near Minnehaha Falls and Fort Snelling must check the Class B boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the MSP Class B area through FAA-approved providers. The 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard operates at MSP, and TFRs for VIP movements or military operations can occasionally affect the broader Twin Cities region.
• Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Eden Prairie has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius. While this does not extend into Minneapolis city limits, commercial drone operators in southwest Minneapolis and the I-494 corridor should be aware of the FCM Class D boundaries. LAANC authorization is available for FCM Class D operations.
• Crystal Airport (MIC) has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius. While this does not extend to downtown Minneapolis, commercial operators in north Minneapolis near the Robbinsdale and Golden Valley border should check the MIC Class D boundaries. LAANC authorization is available for MIC Class D operations.
• The Minneapolis-St. Paul Joint Air Reserve Station (934th Airlift Wing) shares MSP facilities and has associated military training routes. TFRs for military operations and VIP visits can affect the broader Twin Cities region. Commercial drone operators should check NOTAMs before flying, especially during training exercises or political events at the State Capitol.
• Minnehaha Regional Park and the Mississippi River Gorge (National Park Service Mississippi National River and Recreation Area) have federal restrictions. The National Park Service prohibits drone takeoff and landing within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area corridor without a special use permit. Commercial drone operators along the Mississippi River corridor in Minneapolis must coordinate with the NPS Mississippi River Visitor Center for any flights within the designated corridor.