Part 107 in Michigan: The Commercial Green Light
Michigan's drone act lets an FAA-authorized commercial operator fly in the state if the flight follows federal law, and stops cities from adding drone rules.
Michigan's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, 2016 Public Act 436, is unusually direct. Section 11 says a person authorized by the FAA to operate drones for commercial purposes may operate a drone in Michigan if it is operated consistently with federal law. Section 5 stops counties, cities, villages and townships from regulating the ownership or operation of drones unless a statute expressly allows it. What the state does regulate is misuse: harassment, privacy invasion and court orders.
What does the act promise commercial pilots?
MCL 259.311 (section 11) reads, in substance: a person authorized by the FAA to operate drones for commercial purposes may operate a drone in this state if it is operated in a manner consistent with federal law. For a Part 107 pilot, that ties your right to fly commercially in Michigan to staying inside the federal rules.
Can a Michigan city ban drones?
Generally no. MCL 259.305 (section 5) says that, except as expressly authorized by statute, a political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution regulating the ownership or operation of drones. One narrow exception lets a community that bans nonemergency motor vehicles prohibit drone flights that knowingly interfere with horses used in commercial activity, which fits a place like Mackinac Island, where cars are banned, and even that must allow FAA-compliant uses such as newsgathering.
What does Michigan prohibit?
MCL 259.322 (section 22) bars knowingly and intentionally using a drone to:
| Prohibited use | Detail |
|---|---|
| Harass someone | As harassment is defined in the penal code |
| Get around a restraining order | Flying within a distance that would violate the order if done in person |
| Invade privacy | Capturing photos, video or audio in a way that invades a reasonable expectation of privacy |
| Follow or photograph someone, for certain registered offenders | Where their sentence prohibits it |
Section 11 protects flights consistent with federal law. It does not protect a flight that violates section 22 or another state law.
What federal rules matter most in Michigan?
Detroit sits under Class B airspace and Grand Rapids under Class C, so metro work often needs authorization under §107.41 through LAANC. Lake-effect weather brings low clouds and snow; the cloud clearance post shows how a low ceiling caps your altitude, and the METAR guide helps you read the reports.
A worked example
A township near Ann Arbor tells you its new ordinance bans commercial drone flights in town. Under section 5, a township generally cannot regulate drone operation, and under section 11 an FAA-authorized commercial operator may fly consistently with federal law. You still check the airspace, keep clear of people under §107.39, and avoid capturing neighbors in a way that would breach section 22.
What this means for the exam
Michigan law is not on the FAA test. Weather and airspace, which Michigan pilots meet daily, are.
Other states are compared in the state drone laws guide. Neighboring Illinois takes a different approach, targeting one specific misuse.
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