Aerial Imagery in Wyoming, MI

Airports & LAANC Zones

• GRR — Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Class C airspace, approximately 6 NM southeast in Cascade Township, major commercial airport serving West Michigan with over 3 million annual passengers)
• RIV — Riverview Airport (Class E uncontrolled airspace, approximately 5 NM west in Jenison, handles general aviation and recreational flying)
• BIV — Tulip City Airport (Class E uncontrolled airspace, approximately 18 NM southwest in Holland, handles general aviation)

Restricted Airspace

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) Class C airspace is approximately 6 miles southeast of Wyoming in Cascade Township. GRR is the major commercial airport serving West Michigan with over 3 million annual passengers. GRR Class C extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet MSL in the inner core and from the surface to 2,500 feet in the outer area. Southeastern portions of Wyoming may fall within the GRR Class C outer area. LAANC authorization is required for operations in the Class C area. Operators in southeastern Wyoming near 28th Street and Eastern Avenue should check LAANC grid squares.
• Riverview Airport (RIV) is approximately 5 miles west of Wyoming in Jenison. RIV has Class E uncontrolled airspace, meaning no LAANC authorization is typically required for operations near the airport. However, operators should maintain awareness of general aviation traffic patterns in the area. RIV handles recreational and general aviation flights and is a popular facility for flight training.
• The I-196 and US-131 corridor through Wyoming is a major MDOT infrastructure inspection zone. The I-196 bridges over 28th Street, Chicago Drive, and 44th Street require periodic inspection. MDOT has an active drone inspection program for bridge and highway infrastructure. The M-6 and I-196 interchange complex is a major infrastructure asset.
• Wyoming is home to several major facilities with enhanced security considerations including the Metro Health Hospital (University of Michigan Health West) campus, the General Motors stamping plant (if still operational) and other industrial facilities along the 36th Street and 44th Street corridors, and the Rogers Plaza and Wyoming Village shopping centers.
• The Buck Creek corridor through Wyoming creates environmental monitoring and flood control infrastructure demand. The creek flows through several park properties including Lamar Park, Ideal Park, and the Wyoming Golf Course. Environmental monitoring of the Buck Creek watershed and the city's extensive stormwater management system creates demand for drone aerial imaging services along the corridor.

Local Ordinances

Wyoming 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 Wyoming requires a business license for commercial drone operators. Drone takeoff and landing in city parks requires coordination with the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, including Lamar Park, Ideal Park, and Pinery Park. Operations near GRR Class C airspace require LAANC authorization. Commercial operators should carry minimum $1M liability insurance for aerial imaging projects.