Overview
Michigan allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. Michigan Penal Code addresses privacy violations and trespass. Detroit and Grand Rapids airports require LAANC clearance. Great Lakes airspace has restrictions.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Michigan. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- Michigan Penal Code § 750.539: Unauthorized recording via drone — surveillance without consent in private area is criminal
- Michigan Penal Code § 750.411: Stalking by drone — surveillance with intent to harm/threaten is criminal offense
- Michigan Penal Code § 750.496: Trespass on private property — unauthorized drone flight over private land is violation
- Detroit airspace: Class B airspace (DTW) requires LAANC authorization
- Grand Rapids airspace: Class B airspace (GRR) requires LAANC authorization
- Great Lakes: Sensitive airspace near Lake Michigan, Lake Huron — check LAANC for restrictions
- Michigan Penal Code § 750.1050: Voyeurism by drone — drone recording of person without consent in private area is felony
- Michigan Penal Code § 750.145: Assault via drone — reckless drone operation causing injury is criminal
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources: State park airspace — no drone flight in state parks/recreation areas without permit
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Wildlife management areas — no drone operations in protected wildlife zones
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality: Wetland protection — no drone flight over protected wetlands without authorization
- Huron-Manistee National Forest: Special Use Permit required for any commercial drone operations on federal forest land
- Michigan Department of Education: School airspace — no drone flight over school buildings/grounds without district authorization
- Michigan Department of Health: Hospital/emergency facility airspace — no drone flight over medical facilities
- Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Act: Construction site safety — commercial drones require coordination with site protocols
- Michigan Public Service Commission: No drone interference with utility infrastructure, power lines, or communication networks
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Michigan
Recreational drone pilots in Michigan must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Michigan
Commercial drone operations in Michigan require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Michigan must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.
Official Resources & Statute Links
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/
- https://www.michigan.gov/leo/
- https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
- https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
- https://www.michigan.gov/deq
- https://legislature.mi.gov/
- https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/where_can_i_fly/airspace_restrictions/b4ufly/
- https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-107
- https://www.michigan.gov/mde