Aerial Imaging Services in St. Paul, 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

St. Paul 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 St. Paul requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including St. Paul parks managed by the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department. Como Park, Phalen Regional Park, and Harriet Island require prior authorization for commercial drone operations. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) corridor through St. Paul requires a special use permit for commercial drone operations. St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field) Class D airspace covers most of downtown St. Paul — LAANC authorization is required for flights in the Class D area. The St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the St. Paul Comprehensive Plan. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft for commercial operators under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.

Restricted Airspace

• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) Class B airspace is the primary airspace restriction for the Twin Cities region. The Class B surface area extends approximately 10 NM from MSP and covers portions of southwest St. Paul near the Fort Snelling area and the Mississippi River corridor. Commercial drone operators in the West Side, Fort Road, and Shepard Road corridor must check Class B boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the MSP Class B area through FAA-approved providers.
• St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field, STP) has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius, directly covering downtown St. Paul, the West Side, and portions of the East Side. This is the most significant local airspace restriction for commercial drone operators in St. Paul. LAANC authorization is required for any flights within the STP Class D area. Holman Field handles corporate jets, charter flights, and general aviation traffic, making the airspace actively managed throughout business hours.
• The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (National Park Service) corridor passes through St. Paul along the Mississippi River. The NPS prohibits drone takeoff and landing within the designated corridor without a special use permit. Commercial operators along the river corridor — including the areas near Harriet Island, Raspberry Island, and the Padelford Boat Landing — must coordinate with the NPS Mississippi River Visitor Center for any flights within the corridor.
• The Minnesota State Capitol grounds and the adjacent Minnesota National Guard Armory on Cedar Street may have periodic TFRs during political events, military ceremonies, or VIP visits. Commercial drone operators should check NOTAMs before flying near the Capitol complex, especially during legislative sessions. The 133rd Airlift Wing at MSP and the Arden Hills National Guard training site (TCAAP) approximately 10 NM north may also generate occasional TFRs affecting the broader St. Paul area.