Aerial Imaging Services in Waukesha, 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

Waukesha 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 Waukesha requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. The Fox River corridor through downtown Waukesha has active redevelopment with the Waukesha Downtown Plan and Riverfront Initiative, and the Waukesha Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans. The proximity to Waukesha County Airport (UES) Class D airspace means many commercial drone operations in central Waukesha require LAANC authorization. The City of Waukesha does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law, but commercial operators should contact the Waukesha Parks Department for park permits and coordinate with UES airport management for operations within 5 NM.

Restricted Airspace

• Waukesha County Airport (UES) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport and reaches up to 3,000 feet MSL. Commercial drone operators in central Waukesha and the Brookfield area should check Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the UES Class D area through FAA-approved providers.
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Class C airspace extends approximately 10 NM from the airport. While Waukesha is west of the primary Class C area, eastern Waukesha County near New Berlin and Muskego can fall within the MKE Class C outer shelf. Commercial operators in eastern Waukesha County should verify airspace boundaries before flying.
• The Wings Over Waukesha airshow, held annually at Waukesha County Airport, creates temporary flight restrictions and expanded temporary airspace. Commercial drone operators within 10 NM of Crites Field should check NOTAMs during the airshow weekend, typically in late summer.
• The Fox River corridor through downtown Waukesha has infrastructure including dams and the Fox River dam system. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near hydroelectric facilities and dam operations along the Fox River, as these may have enhanced security considerations under critical infrastructure guidelines.
• Wisconsin state parks in the Kettle Moraine area require special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. Lapham Peak State Forest (approximately 8 NM south) and the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest (approximately 20 NM southwest) fall under DNR jurisdiction.