Baseline requirements
Federal Rules That Apply in Every State
These FAA rules apply everywhere in the United States. State law can add more restrictions, but it cannot replace the federal baseline.
Recreational flyers
- Register drones at or above 0.55 lbs with the FAA.
- Pass the free TRUST safety test before recreational flight.
- Follow FAA recreational rules, including visual line of sight and airspace limits.
Commercial pilots
- Fly for business under 14 CFR Part 107 with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
- Register drones used for commercial work with the FAA.
- Request LAANC or FAA authorization for controlled airspace operations when needed.
Always check before flight
- Review B4UFLY, TFRs, NOTAMs, airport restrictions, and Remote ID requirements.
- Stay clear of national parks, military areas, stadium restrictions, and other FAA-prohibited locations.
- Verify waivers or airspace approvals before operations that are outside standard Part 107 limits.
Federal resources: FAA UAS FAA Commercial Operators Part 107 Airspace Authorizations B4UFLY FAA DroneZone
State-specific rules
State-Specific Rules in Michigan
Michigan follows federal FAA rules, but Michigan's unmanned-aircraft statute, eavesdropping law, stalking law, and public-land rules add state-specific limits. State-managed lands and National Forest lands can also require separate permission or permits.
Key Restrictions
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- MCL 259.305: Michigan generally preempts local regulation of drone ownership and operation, but political subdivisions may regulate drones they own and launches or landings on property they control
- MCL 750.539c: Eavesdropping and private-place recording laws can apply to nonconsensual drone surveillance
- MCL 750.411h: Stalking can apply to repeated or threatening drone surveillance
- Michigan DNR land-use order: Operating unmanned aircraft from state-managed lands is restricted, including special limits in state parks and recreation areas
- Michigan public-land permission: Commercial use of Michigan-managed public land can require advance permission, permits, or other written authorization
- Detroit airspace: Class B airspace (DTW) requires LAANC authorization
- Grand Rapids airspace: Class B airspace (GRR) requires LAANC authorization
- Huron-Manistee National Forests: Commercial drone operations on National Forest System lands generally require special use authorization
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Project and permit planning
Insurance
Statewide requirement
No statewide commercial drone insurance requirement identified.
Public property / permit situations
Insurance may still be required by clients, venues, public-property permits, or local film and operations permits.
Practical takeaway
Verify local permit conditions before flight and confirm insurance language in every contract or venue requirement.
Resources for Flyers
- FAA UAS: faa.gov/uas
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
- LAANC / authorizations: FAA airspace authorization
- B4UFLY: Check airspace restrictions
- TFR checker: tfr.faa.gov