Aerial Imaging Services in Plymouth, 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

Plymouth 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 Plymouth requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including Plymouth parks managed by the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department. French Regional Park, the Medicine Lake area, and the Luce Line State Trail (managed by Three Rivers Park District) require prior authorization for commercial drone operations. Flying Cloud Airport Class D airspace extends into southern Plymouth — LAANC authorization may be required for flights in the southern portion of the city. The City of Plymouth Community Development Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the Plymouth Comprehensive Plan 2040. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.

Restricted Airspace

• Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Eden Prairie has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius, which extends into the southern portion of Plymouth near the I-494 corridor and the intersection of Highway 169. Commercial drone operators in south Plymouth near the Plymouth City Center and the I-494/Highway 169 interchange should check FCM Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the FCM Class D area.
• Crystal Airport (MIC) has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius, which may extend into the eastern portion of Plymouth near the Brooklyn Center border and the Rockford Road corridor. Commercial operators in east Plymouth should check MIC Class D boundaries. LAANC authorization is available for the MIC Class D area. Most of central and western Plymouth is outside both Class D areas.
• The Three Rivers Park District manages significant parkland in and around Plymouth, including the French Regional Park, the Medicine Lake area, and the Luce Line State Trail corridor. Commercial drone operations in Three Rivers Park District properties require prior authorization from the park district. Medicine Lake, the largest lake entirely within Plymouth, has residential development along its shoreline where FAA Part 107 prohibitions on flying over non-participants apply.
• MSP International Airport Class B airspace does not extend to Plymouth, but MSP approach and departure corridors pass overhead at higher altitudes. Commercial drone operations at or below 400 feet AGL are generally not affected by Class B at Plymouth's distance. However, operators should be aware of potential helicopter traffic from North Memorial Health Hospital (Robbinsdale) and Children's Hospital Minneapolis, which operate medevac helicopters that may transit the area at low altitudes.