Aerial Imaging Services in Oshkosh, 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

Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Oshkosh Parks Department. The Fox River corridor through downtown Oshkosh has active waterfront redevelopment, and the Oshkosh Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans submitted under the Oshkosh Comprehensive Plan. EAA AirVenture creates the most significant airspace consideration: during late July, temporary flight restrictions and a large Class D expansion make most drone operations within 15 NM of Oshkosh impossible without specific FAA authorization. The City of Oshkosh does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law, but commercial operators should contact the Oshkosh Parks Department for park permits and check NOTAMs during AirVenture week.

Restricted Airspace

• Wittman Regional Airport (OSH) is normally uncontrolled airspace but hosts EAA AirVenture annually (typically late July), which triggers a large temporary Class D airspace expansion and some of the most complex temporary flight procedures in the country. During AirVenture week, drone operations within 15 NM of Oshkosh are severely restricted. Commercial drone operators must check NOTAMs and TFRs during late July each year, as the temporary airspace can affect operations throughout the Fox River Valley.
• Appleton International Airport (ATW) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport, approximately 12 NM north. Commercial drone operators in northern Oshkosh and the US 41 corridor toward Appleton should check Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps.
• The Fox River corridor through downtown Oshkosh has infrastructure including dams, the Fox River Locks system, and the Main Street Bridge. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near hydroelectric facilities and bridge infrastructure along the Fox River, as these may have enhanced security considerations under critical infrastructure guidelines.
• Lake Winnebago, bordering the east side of Oshkosh, has Coast Guard operations during the summer boating season. Commercial drone operators flying near the lakefront or over the lake should exercise caution and coordinate with the Winnebago County Sheriff Marine Patrol for operations near the harbor area.
• Wisconsin state parks near Oshkosh require special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. High Cliff State Park (approximately 15 NM north on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago) and Hartman Creek State Park (approximately 20 NM southwest) fall under DNR jurisdiction.