Aerial Imaging Services in Wausau, 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

Wausau 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 Wausau requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Wausau Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department. The Wausau Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans along the Washington Street corridor and the Wisconsin River waterfront redevelopment. Wausau Downtown Airport (AUW) is uncontrolled, so most of the Wausau area does not require LAANC authorization, but operators should check for NOTAMs. The City of Wausau does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law.

Restricted Airspace

• Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport and reaches up to 3,000 feet MSL. While CWA is approximately 15 NM southeast of Wausau, commercial drone operators in the Mosinee area and southeastern Marathon County should check Class D boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is available for the CWA Class D area.
• Rib Mountain State Park (approximately 5 NM southwest) is a prominent geological feature and recreation area. Commercial drone operations within the state park require special use permits from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The Rib Mountain area has environmental protection designations.
• The Wisconsin River corridor through downtown Wausau has infrastructure including dams, including the Wausau Dam, and water management facilities. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near these facilities under critical infrastructure guidelines.
• The Granite Heights Quarry and industrial mining areas north of Wausau have blasting operations and enhanced security considerations. Commercial drone operators should coordinate with quarry management for any aerial work near active mining facilities.