Aerial Imaging Services in Westland, MI

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Michigan require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Michigan regulates drone operations primarily through the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.). The Act prohibits using drones to surveil or photograph individuals without consent in areas where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and restricts drone use for hunting and fishing harassment. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Michigan does not require additional state-level drone registration or licensing beyond FAA requirements. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) uses drones for infrastructure inspection and has published guidelines for aerial work near state highways. Local municipalities may enact reasonable regulations on takeoff and landing locations but cannot conflict with FAA airspace authority. Operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for commercial aerial imaging projects.

Local Ordinances

Westland 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 Westland requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in city parks requires coordination with the Westland Parks and Recreation Department, including Hines Park, Holliday Nature Preserve, and the Westland Municipal Golf Course. Operations near DTW Class C or YIP Class D airspace require LAANC authorization. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.

Restricted Airspace

• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) Class C airspace is approximately 6 miles south of Westland in Romulus. DTW Class C extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet MSL in the inner core and from the surface to 2,500 feet in the outer area. Southern portions of Westland may fall within the DTW Class C outer area. LAANC authorization is required for operations in the Class C area. The DTW approach and departure corridors may pass over southern Westland, making altitude coordination important.
• Willow Run Airport (YIP) Class D airspace is approximately 5 miles north of Westland in Ypsilanti. YIP handles significant cargo operations and general aviation. Northern Westland operations near the Warren Road and Palmer Road corridor may approach YIP Class D boundaries. LAANC authorization is available for the YIP Class D area.
• The I-275 corridor through Westland is a major MDOT infrastructure inspection zone. The I-275 bridges over Ford Road, Michigan Avenue, and Warren Road require periodic inspection. MDOT has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. The I-275 and M-14 interchange complex in northeastern Westland is a major infrastructure asset.
• Westland is home to several major facilities with enhanced security considerations including the Westland Center shopping mall, the William P. Faust Public Library complex, and industrial facilities along the Warren Road and Wayne Road corridors. The city's extensive park system including Hines Park, Holliday Nature Preserve, and the Westland Municipal Golf Course creates environmental monitoring demand.
• The Lower Rouge River corridor through Westland creates environmental monitoring and flood control infrastructure demand. The river flows through several park properties and the city's stormwater management system. Environmental monitoring of the Rouge River watershed and the nearby Edward Hines Park corridor creates demand for drone aerial imaging services along the corridor.