Aerial Imagery in Rochester, MN

Airports & LAANC Zones

• RST — Rochester International Airport (Class D airspace, located approximately 8 NM south of downtown Rochester — commercial and general aviation airport serving the Rochester metro)
• ZMP — Minneapolis Center (ARTCC) controls enroute airspace above the Rochester area; RST Class D surface area extends 5 NM and requires LAANC authorization for Part 107 operations within its boundaries
• GYL — Waseca Municipal Airport (uncontrolled airspace, approximately 35 NM west of Rochester — general aviation airport serving the south-central Minnesota region)
• RUD — Red Wing Municipal Airport (uncontrolled airspace, approximately 45 NM northeast of Rochester along the Mississippi River — general aviation airport serving Goodhue County)

Restricted Airspace

• Rochester International Airport (RST) Class D airspace is the primary airspace restriction for the Rochester area. The Class D surface area extends approximately 5 NM from the airport with a ceiling of 4,000 feet MSL. Commercial drone operators in south Rochester, particularly near the RST approach corridor and the U.S. 63 corridor, must obtain LAANC authorization before flying within the Class D boundaries. The FAA B4UFLY app or LAANC provider apps can confirm the exact boundaries. RST has mixed commercial airline service (Delta Connection to Minneapolis and Chicago) and general aviation traffic, making the Class D area moderately busy.
• The Minnesota Army National Guard facility at the Rochester Armory (approximately 3 NM north of RST) may have occasional military helicopter operations and training. Commercial drone operators near the armory area should check NOTAMs before flying and be alert for low-flying helicopter traffic associated with National Guard training exercises.
• Mayo Clinic medical helicopter operations use Rochester International Airport and the Mayo One helipad network. Mayo One emergency helicopters operate from rooftops and designated helipads throughout Rochester. Commercial drone operators must maintain situational awareness for helicopter traffic and avoid flight near Mayo Clinic helipads and designated approach corridors. FAA Part 107 prohibits operating a drone in a manner that interferes with manned aircraft operations.
• Silver Lake and the Zumbro River corridor in Rochester are popular recreational areas. While there is no National Park Service designation for these areas, the City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Department requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned parkland. Silver Lake Park, Cascade Lake Park, and the Douglas Trail corridor are managed by the city and require authorization for commercial operations.
• Quarry Hill Nature Center and the adjacent Quarry Hill Park have environmental sensitivity designations. Commercial drone operators conducting environmental or topographic data collection in this area should coordinate with the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department. The nature center area has walking trails and wildlife habitat where FAA Part 107 restrictions on flying over non-participants apply.

Local Ordinances

Rochester 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 Rochester requires permits for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city-owned property, including parks managed by the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department. Rochester International Airport (RST) has Class D airspace that covers portions of south Rochester — LAANC authorization is required for flights within the Class D area. The Destination Medical Center (DMC) development district has additional construction site safety requirements, and the DMC Economic Development Agency coordinates with the Rochester Police Department for drone monitoring of DMC construction sites. Mayo Clinic medical helicopter operations (Mayo One) require drone operators to maintain awareness of helicopter approach corridors and avoid interference. Minnesota requires a $5 state UAS registration surcharge per aircraft for commercial operators under MN Statute 360.065, in addition to FAA registration.