Aerial Imagery in Monroe, MI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• TOL — Toledo Express Airport (Class C airspace, approximately 15 NM south in Swanton, Ohio, major regional airport handling commercial and cargo operations for the Toledo area)
• DTW — Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Class B airspace, approximately 25 NM north in Romulus, major international airport serving the Detroit metro area)
• PHN — St. Clair County International Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 40 NM northeast, handles general aviation for the Blue Water area)

Restricted Airspace

• Monroe is between two major controlled airspace areas. Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW) Class B airspace is approximately 25 NM north and Toledo Express Airport (TOL) Class C airspace is approximately 15 NM south. The DTW Class B shelf and the TOL Class C shelf may affect operations in the northern and southern parts of Monroe County. Operators should check the FAA B4UFLY app for specific boundaries at their flight location. Most of downtown Monroe is in Class E uncontrolled airspace, but operators should verify before flying.
• The I-75 corridor is a major infrastructure asset and the River Raisin Bridge replacement project is a major construction project. MDOT South Region manages state highway infrastructure in the area. The $352 million infrastructure investment in Monroe County includes the River Raisin Bridge replacement and a critical stretch of I-75. The Monroe Street and Front Street corridors have ongoing commercial and residential development. The Monroe County Road Commission has an active construction and infrastructure inspection program.
• Monroe is home to the DTE Energy Monroe Power Plant, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in Michigan. The power plant is a major critical infrastructure facility with enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. Operations near the power plant should coordinate with DTE Energy security. The power plant has ongoing facility maintenance and environmental monitoring demand. The Lake Erie shoreline and the River Raisin corridor have environmental monitoring considerations.
• The River Raisin and Lake Erie shoreline have environmental and recreational considerations. The River Raisin flows through the heart of Monroe and has ongoing environmental remediation and monitoring demand. The River Raisin National Battlefield Park is a National Park Service property with restricted drone operations. The Sterling State Park and the Lake Erie shoreline have recreational and environmental considerations. Operations near the river corridor and the shoreline should coordinate with the Michigan DNR and the National Park Service.
• The Monroe downtown commercial district along Washington Street and Front Street has dense retail and residential development. The $20 million Monroe streetscape project includes wider sidewalks, greenery, and flexible curb lanes. Operations near the downtown area should coordinate with the Monroe Downtown Development Authority. The LaPlaisance Road and Telegraph Road corridors have commercial and industrial development.

Local Ordinances

Monroe 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 Monroe requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in city parks and state parks requires coordination with the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department and the Michigan DNR, including Sterling State Park and Waterloo Park. Operations near the River Raisin National Battlefield Park require a special use permit from the National Park Service. Operations near the DTE Energy Monroe Power Plant require coordination with DTE Energy security. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.