Environmental Monitoring in Muskegon, MI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• MKG — Muskegon County Airport (Class D airspace, located adjacent to the city, handles general aviation, corporate, and military aviation including Air National Guard A-10 operations, major West Michigan GA facility)
• GRR — Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Class C airspace, approximately 35 NM southeast in Grand Rapids, major West Michigan commercial airport with over 2 million annual passengers)
• AZO — Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 50 NM south in Kalamazoo, handles regional commercial and GA)

Restricted Airspace

• Muskegon County Airport (MKG) Class D airspace directly affects Muskegon. The airport is adjacent to the city and its Class D airspace extends approximately 4.4 NM from the airport up to 3,000 feet MSL. MKG handles general aviation, corporate aviation, and Air National Guard A-10 Warthog operations. The military flight operations create additional airspace considerations including potential temporary flight restrictions during training exercises. Commercial operators should check LAANC grid squares and NOTAMs for military activity.
• The Muskegon Port and waterfront area has critical infrastructure and security considerations. Muskegon is a major Great Lakes port city with commercial shipping, ferry service to Milwaukee, and industrial waterfront facilities. The Mart Dock, the Port of Muskegon, and the B.C. Cobb power plant area (under redevelopment) have enhanced security considerations. Operations near port facilities should coordinate with the Muskegon Port Authority and U.S. Coast Guard. The Lake Express ferry terminal creates additional security zones during operations.
• The I-96 and US-31 interchange complex near Muskegon has critical infrastructure considerations. MDOT has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. US-31 is the major north-south corridor along the West Michigan lakeshore. The I-96 terminus at Muskegon and the Seaway Drive corridor bridges over the Muskegon River are major infrastructure assets requiring periodic inspection.
• Muskegon is home to the AM General manufacturing facility (military vehicle production) and several industrial facilities along the Muskegon River corridor. Industrial facilities have enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. The Anderson Global headquarters and the ADAC Automotive facility create ongoing construction and renovation demand. Operations near industrial facilities should coordinate with corporate security.
• Muskegon State Park, Hoffmaster State Park, and the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve restrict unauthorized drone flights over state park and nature preserve property. The Muskegon Lake and Muskegon River corridor have significant environmental monitoring demand. The Muskegon Lake Area of Concern remediation project, part of the Great Lakes restoration initiative, creates ongoing environmental monitoring and aerial imaging demand. Pere Marquette Beach and the Muskegon Lake waterfront have environmental and recreational use considerations.

Local Ordinances

Muskegon 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 Muskegon requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in city parks and state parks requires coordination with the Muskegon Parks and Recreation Department and the Michigan DNR, including Muskegon State Park, Pere Marquette Beach, and the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. Operations near MKG Class D airspace require LAANC authorization. Operations near the Port of Muskegon should coordinate with the Muskegon Port Authority. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.