Aerial Imagery in Oshkosh, WI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• OSH — Wittman Regional Airport (uncontrolled airspace, major general aviation airport and home to EAA AirVenture, the largest airshow in the world — temporary Class D during AirVenture week)
• ATW — Appleton International Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 12 NM north, commercial airport for the Fox River Valley)
• MTW — Manitowoc County Airport (uncontrolled airspace, approximately 35 NM east on Lake Michigan shoreline, general aviation)
• UOO — Oshkosh Executive Airport (uncontrolled airspace, small general aviation facility near the Fox River)

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.

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.