Aerial Imagery in Midland, MI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• MBS — Saginaw-Midland-Bay City International Airport (Class D airspace, located approximately 8 NM southeast of downtown Midland in Freeland, serves the Tri-Cities area with commercial and general aviation)
• LNP — Mount Pleasant Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 15 NM west in Isabella County, handles general aviation for the Mount Pleasant area)
• HYX — Coleman Municipal Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 12 NM south of Midland, small GA facility serving the southern Midland County area)

Restricted Airspace

• Midland is near Class D airspace centered on MBS International Airport (MBS), located approximately 8 NM southeast in Freeland. The Class D surface area extends approximately 4.5 NM radius from MBS up to 3,000 feet AGL. Most of downtown Midland is outside the Class D surface area but operators should check the FAA B4UFLY app for specific boundaries. Flights in the southeastern part of Midland near the MBS approach path may require LAANC authorization.
• The Dow Chemical Company global headquarters campus is a major critical infrastructure consideration. The Dow Michigan Operations facility is one of the largest integrated chemical manufacturing sites in the world, covering approximately 5,000 acres along the Tittabawassee River. Industrial and chemical manufacturing facilities have enhanced security considerations for commercial drone operations. The Dow corporate campus and the Global Dow Center headquarters building have ongoing facility expansion and renovation activity. Operators should coordinate with Dow security for any flights near the manufacturing complex.
• The Tittabawassee River corridor and the Chippewa River watershed have environmental monitoring considerations. The Tittabawassee River flows through the heart of Midland and has ongoing environmental remediation and monitoring demand related to historical industrial contamination. The Chippewa Nature Center and the Chippewassee Park system have recreational and environmental considerations. Operations near the river corridor should coordinate with the Michigan EGLE and the Midland County Drain Commissioner.
• Midland is home to the Midland Center for the Arts, the Dow Gardens, and the Chippewa Nature Center, which have educational facility and privacy considerations. The Midland Center for the Arts campus includes the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, a National Historic Landmark. The Dow Gardens botanical facility and the Whiting Forest canopy walk have visitor safety considerations for drone operations. Operations near these facilities should coordinate with facility management.
• The US-10 expressway corridor and the M-20 highway are major infrastructure assets. MDOT Bay Region manages state highway infrastructure in the area. The Eastman Avenue and Business US-10 corridor have ongoing commercial development. The St. Andrews Road and Patrick Road corridors have industrial and corporate facility development. The Midland County Road Commission has an active construction and infrastructure inspection program.

Local Ordinances

Midland 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 Midland requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in city parks requires coordination with the Midland Parks and Recreation Department, including Chippewassee Park, Central Park, and Plymouth Park. Operations near the Dow Chemical Company manufacturing complex require coordination with Dow security. Operations near MBS International Airport Class D airspace require LAANC authorization. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.