Aerial Imaging Services in Racine, 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

Racine 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 Racine requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. The Racine Lakefront redevelopment area along the Root River corridor has active construction monitoring needs, and the City of Racine Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans submitted under the Racine Comprehensive Plan. The proximity to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Class C airspace means northern Racine County operations may require LAANC authorization. The Racine County Economic Development Corporation supports industrial site documentation along the I-94 corridor. The City of Racine does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law, but commercial operators should contact the Racine Parks Department for park permits and the Racine Police Department for operations near public events.

Restricted Airspace

• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Class C airspace extends approximately 10 NM from the airport and reaches up to 4,000 feet MSL. While central Racine is south of the primary Class C shelf, the northern edge of the Racine metro area near Caledonia and Sturtevant can fall within the MKE Class C outer area. Commercial drone operators in northern Racine County should check Class C boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the MKE Class C area through FAA-approved providers.
• Racine Batten International Airport (RAC) is an uncontrolled airport with no Class D airspace, but drone operators within 5 NM should coordinate with the airport manager and avoid operating in the traffic pattern area. The airport has an active general aviation community and occasional charter operations.
• The Lake Michigan shoreline through Racine has Coast Guard operations and the Racine Reef lighthouse. Commercial drone operators flying near the lakefront or over water should exercise caution and coordinate with the Racine Harbor Patrol for operations near the harbor and breakwater area.
• Wings Over Waukesha airshow and other regional airshows in southeastern Wisconsin can create temporary flight restrictions. Commercial operators should check NOTAMs for TFRs during summer weekends when regional airshows are active.
• Wisconsin state parks near Racine require special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. Big Foot Beach State Park (approximately 20 NM southwest near Lake Geneva) and Richard B. Ogilvie Preserve fall under DNR jurisdiction.