Aerial Imaging Services in Shelby Township, MI

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Michigan require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Michigan regulates drone operations primarily through the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.). The Act prohibits using drones to surveil or photograph individuals without consent in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and restricts drone use for hunting and fishing harassment. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Michigan does not require additional state-level drone registration or licensing beyond FAA requirements. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) uses drones for infrastructure inspection and has published guidelines for aerial work near state highways. Local municipalities may enact reasonable regulations on takeoff and landing locations but cannot conflict with FAA airspace authority. Operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for commercial aerial imaging projects.

Local Ordinances

Shelby Township 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. Shelby Township requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in township parks requires coordination with the Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Department, including River Bends Park, Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, and Stony Creek Metropark. Operations near PTK Class D airspace require LAANC authorization. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.

Restricted Airspace

• Oakland County International Airport (PTK) Class D airspace is approximately 4 miles west of Shelby Township in Waterford. PTK is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Michigan, handling corporate jets and charter flights. Western Shelby Township operations near the Rochester Road and Avon Road corridor may be within PTK Class D airspace. LAANC authorization is required for operations in the PTK Class D area. The proximity of PTK makes airspace awareness critical for commercial drone operators in western Shelby Township.
• Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) is approximately 8 miles east of Shelby Township in Harrison Township. Selfridge hosts A-10 Thunderbolt II and KC-135 aircraft with military training airspace and potential TFRs. Eastern Shelby Township operations near 24 Mile and Hayes Road may be affected by Selfridge military traffic patterns. Operators should check NOTAMs before flying in eastern areas.
• The M-53 (Vandenberg Avenue) corridor through Shelby Township is a major MDOT infrastructure inspection zone. The M-53 bridges over 24 Mile, 25 Mile, and 26 Mile Roads require periodic inspection. MDOT has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. The 23 Mile and 26 Mile Road corridors have ongoing construction and widening projects.
• Shelby Township has several major facilities with enhanced security considerations including the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Stellantis) near the southern border, the Ford Proving Grounds to the north, and industrial facilities along the M-53 corridor. Commercial drone operators should coordinate with facility security before conducting data collection projects near these locations.
• The Clinton River corridor through Shelby Township creates environmental monitoring and flood control infrastructure demand. The river flows through several park properties including River Bends Park, Stony Creek Metropark to the north, and the Macomb Orchard Trail corridor. Environmental monitoring of the Clinton River watershed creates demand for drone aerial imaging services along the corridor.