Roof Inspection in Sterling Heights, MI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• DET — Coleman A. Young International Airport (formerly Detroit City Airport, Class D airspace, approximately 8 NM south in Detroit, handles general aviation and limited cargo)
• PTK — Oakland County International Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 8 NM west in Waterford Township, major corporate and general aviation facility, one of the busiest GA airports in Michigan)
• DTW — Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Class C airspace, approximately 30 NM southwest in Romulus, major international commercial airport serving Metro Detroit)
• MTC — Selfridge Air National Guard Base (approximately 8 NM northeast in Harrison Township, military aviation facility with F-16 and C-130 operations, restricted airspace and military training routes)

Restricted Airspace

• Selfridge Air National Guard Base (MTC) is approximately 8 NM northeast of Sterling Heights. The base hosts the 127th Wing with F-16 Fighting Falcons and C-130 Hercules aircraft plus Army National Guard helicopter operations. Military training routes and restricted airspace can affect drone operations in eastern Sterling Heights and the M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) corridor. Operators should check NOTAMs and TFRs before any commercial drone aerial imaging mission near the Selfridge approach corridors.
• Oakland County International Airport (PTK) Class D airspace is approximately 8 NM west in Waterford Township and extends 4.4 NM from the airport up to 3,000 feet MSL. While this does not directly cover Sterling Heights, western operations near the Troy and Rochester Hills border should check LAANC grid squares for PTK proximity. PTK is one of the busiest corporate aviation airports in Michigan and handles significant business jet traffic for Metro Detroit automotive and corporate operations.
• The Chrysler (Stellantis) Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) is a major automotive manufacturing facility on the city's east side, producing the Ram 1500 pickup truck. The plant complex includes assembly buildings, stamping facilities, and vehicle storage lots with enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. Stellantis has invested over $1.5 billion in the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant for the Ram 1500 production retooling. Operators should coordinate with Stellantis security for flights near the facility.
• The M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue) expressway corridor and the M-59 (Hall Road) commercial corridor have critical infrastructure considerations. MDOT has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. The M-53/M-59 interchange is a major commercial node and the Lakeside Mall redevelopment site on M-59 represents one of the largest mixed-use conversion projects in Macomb County. Commercial drone operators near highway interchanges should coordinate with MDOT.
• The Clinton River corridor through Sterling Heights has flood control infrastructure, culverts, and bridge structures requiring periodic inspection. The river runs through Dodge Park and Clinton River Park, which are managed by the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department. Environmental monitoring of the Clinton River watershed creates demand for drone aerial imaging services along the corridor.

Local Ordinances

Sterling Heights 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. The City of Sterling Heights requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in Sterling Heights parks requires coordination with the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department, including Dodge Park, Clinton River Park, and the Freedom Trail system. Operations near the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) require coordination with Stellantis facility security. Operations near Selfridge Air National Guard Base military airspace require checking for active restrictions and NOTAMs. Operations near Oakland County International Airport (PTK) Class D proximity should verify LAANC grid squares. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance.