Aerial Imaging Services in West Allis, 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

West Allis 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 West Allis requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the West Allis Parks and Recreation Department. The Wisconsin State Fair Park, located in West Allis, has additional security and operational requirements for commercial drone operations during events. The West Allis Planning Department frequently requires aerial imaging documentation for site plans submitted under the West Allis Comprehensive Plan, particularly along the Greenfield Avenue and Highway 100 commercial corridors. The proximity to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Class C airspace means most commercial drone operations in West Allis require LAANC authorization. The City of West Allis does not have a separate municipal drone ordinance beyond state law, but commercial operators should contact the West Allis Parks Department for park permits and coordinate with MKE air traffic control for operations in the Class C area.

Restricted Airspace

• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) Class C airspace extends approximately 10 NM from the airport and reaches up to 4,000 feet MSL. Much of West Allis falls within or near the MKE Class C area. Commercial drone operators in West Allis should check Class C boundaries using the FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps. LAANC authorization is required and available through FAA-approved providers for the MKE Class C area.
• Waukesha County Airport (UES) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport. Western West Allis near the Waukesha County border may fall within or near the UES Class D area. Commercial operators in the western portion of the city should verify both MKE and UES airspace boundaries before flying.
• Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport (MWC) is an uncontrolled airport approximately 5 NM north, but drone operators within 5 NM should coordinate with the airport manager and avoid operating in the traffic pattern area.
• The Menomonee River corridor through West Allis has infrastructure including the Milwaukee County Grounds and the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near the State Fair Park area during the Wisconsin State Fair (typically August), which can create temporary flight restrictions and increased security considerations.
• Wisconsin state parks near West Allis require special use permits from the Wisconsin DNR for commercial drone operations. Havenwoods State Forest (approximately 8 NM north in Milwaukee) and Lakeshore State Park (approximately 8 NM east on the Milwaukee lakefront) fall under DNR jurisdiction.