Real Estate Photography in Lansing, MI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• LAN — Capital Region International Airport (former Lansing Capital City Airport, Class D airspace, located in DeWitt Township approximately 5 NM north of downtown Lansing, offers limited commercial service and significant general aviation and cargo operations)
• TEB — Mason-Jewett Airport (uncontrolled airspace, approximately 12 NM south in Mason, general aviation serving Eaton County)
• FPK — Hillsdale Municipal Airport (uncontrolled airspace, approximately 35 NM south, general aviation)
• OZW — Oakland County International Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 45 NM southeast, major corporate and general aviation facility serving Metro Detroit)

Restricted Airspace

• Capital Region International Airport (LAN) Class D airspace extends approximately 4.5 NM from the airport up to 2,600 feet MSL. The airport is located north of downtown in DeWitt Township and handles corporate traffic, cargo, limited commercial flights, and Michigan Army National Guard helicopter operations. Commercial drone operators in northern Lansing, DeWitt Township, and the I-69 commercial corridor must obtain LAANC authorization before flight. LAANC is available for the LAN Class D area through FAA-approved providers.
• Selfridge Air National Guard Base (ANGB) is approximately 40 NM southeast in Macomb County, but military training routes and helicopter traffic from the Michigan Army National Guard aviation facility at LAN can create temporary flight restrictions in the Lansing area. Operators should check NOTAMs before commercial drone aerial imaging missions, particularly near the airport and along the I-69 corridor.
• The Michigan State Capitol building and surrounding state government complex in downtown Lansing has security considerations for commercial drone operations. The Capitol building is a National Historic Landmark, and the state government campus includes the Michigan Supreme Court, state office buildings, and the Michigan Library and Historical Center. Operators should coordinate with the Michigan State Police and the Capitol Security office for flights near government buildings.
• Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, immediately adjacent to Lansing, has restrictions on unauthorized drone flights over campus property. MSU is one of the largest university campuses in the United States with over 50,000 students. The campus includes research facilities, athletic venues (Spartan Stadium, capacity 74,866), and the MSU College of Human Medicine. NCAA football game days at Spartan Stadium trigger FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions within a 3 NM radius up to 3,000 ft AGL.
• The Grand River corridor through downtown Lansing includes hydroelectric dams, the Lansing Board of Water and Light energy facilities, and infrastructure associated with the city's water treatment and power generation operations. Commercial drone operators should exercise caution near these facilities under critical infrastructure guidelines. The Grand River dams include the North Lansing Dam and the Moores Park Dam.

Local Ordinances

Lansing operates under the Michigan Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (Public Act 451 of 2016, MCL 259.301 et seq.) which preempts local municipalities from regulating drone flight paths or navigable airspace. The City of Lansing requires a business license for commercial drone operators conducting business within city limits. Drone takeoff and landing in Lansing parks requires coordination with the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department, which manages parks including Adado Riverfront Park, Potter Park, and the Grand River trail system. Operations near the Michigan State Capitol and state government buildings require coordination with Michigan State Police Capitol Security. Michigan State University in East Lansing prohibits unauthorized drone flights over campus property; operators must coordinate with MSU Public Safety. Operations near Capital Region International Airport (LAN) Class D airspace require LAANC authorization. The Grand River corridor has hydroelectric and utility infrastructure requiring caution under critical infrastructure guidelines. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance.