Aerial Imaging Services in Woodbury, MN

FAA Part 107 Requirements

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

State Drone Laws

Minnesota regulates drones through Minnesota Statutes Chapter 360 (Aeronautics), with specific UAS provisions in MN Statute 360.0627 prohibiting the use of drones for surveillance of private property without consent, and MN Statute 360.065 requiring UAS registration with the state for a $5 surcharge on commercial operators in addition to FAA registration. MN Statute 360.071 and 626.19 require law enforcement to obtain a warrant before using drones for surveillance, with exceptions for emergency response, search and rescue, and wildfire management. Minnesota does not require a separate state-level drone license for commercial operators, but all commercial pilots must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and register their aircraft with the FAA. The Minnesota Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division maintains oversight of aviation infrastructure including UAS integration planning and coordinates with the FAA on airspace matters. The state preempts local municipalities from regulating drone flight paths or navigable airspace, though cities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property they own. Commercial drone operations in Minnesota state parks require a special use permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Operators near military installations (the 133rd Airlift Wing at MSP, the Minnesota National Guard facilities at Arden Hills, Camp Ripley) must coordinate with base operations and check for active TFRs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL. Minnesota has a state UAS registration requirement ($5 surcharge per aircraft) beyond FAA registration under MN Statute 360.065.

Local Ordinances

Woodbury is governed by Minnesota state drone law (MN Statutes Chapter 360, including 360.0627 privacy provisions and 360.065 state UAS registration surcharge) with local regulations limited by state preemption of flight paths and navigable airspace. The City of Woodbury requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including Woodbury parks managed by the Woodbury Parks and Recreation Department. Ojibway Park, the Bielenberg Sports Center, and the Tamarack Nature Preserve require prior authorization for commercial drone operations. The City of Woodbury Planning and Development Department requires aerial imaging documentation for major development site plans submitted under the Woodbury 2040 Comprehensive Plan. MSP International Airport Class B airspace may have shelf layers over western Woodbury at higher altitudes — commercial drone operations at 400 feet AGL or below are generally not affected. The 3M corporate campus in Woodbury (3M Corporate Research Center) is a major employment center but does not have specific airspace restrictions beyond FAA Part 107. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.

Restricted Airspace

• MSP International Airport Class B airspace is approximately 15 NM southwest of Woodbury. The Class B shelf layers may extend into the far western portion of Woodbury at higher altitudes (typically above 3,000 feet MSL), but commercial drone operations at or below 400 feet AGL are generally not affected by Class B at Woodbury's distance. However, MSP approach and departure corridors pass overhead, and commercial operators should be aware of potential low-altitude helicopter traffic. Use the FAA B4UFLY app to check specific altitude boundaries.
• St. Paul Downtown Airport (Holman Field, STP) has Class D airspace approximately 5 NM in radius, centered approximately 8 NM west of Woodbury. The STP Class D does not extend to Woodbury city limits, but commercial operators in far western Woodbury near the I-94 and I-494 interchange should check boundaries. LAANC authorization is available for the STP Class D area if needed.
• The Mississippi River corridor is approximately 5 NM west of Woodbury, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (NPS) corridor runs along the river. While the NPS corridor does not extend into Woodbury itself, commercial operators flying near the river corridor in adjacent St. Paul must coordinate with the NPS for flights within the designated area.
• South St. Paul Municipal Airport (SGS) is approximately 10 NM west and has uncontrolled (Class G) airspace. While this does not create a formal restriction, commercial operators should be aware of general aviation traffic in the area, particularly small aircraft transiting the river corridor. The Minnesota Army National Guard facility at St. Cloud (approximately 60 NM northwest) and the Arden Hills National Guard training site (TCAAP, approximately 18 NM northwest) may generate occasional TFRs that affect the broader east metro.