Ann Arbor, MI Drone Videographer and Operator

Ann Arbor drone videography

We fly Michigan game days, the Ann Arbor Art Fair and other festivals, campus and research projects, corporate sites, construction progress and real estate across Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. For concerts and stadium events we film recaps, and for larger shows we send live drone feeds to the stream or screens; see live broadcast drones and concert and festival drones.

Ann Arbor and Willow Run airports

Ann Arbor Municipal Airport south of the city has Class D airspace while its tower is open, and Willow Run Airport near Ypsilanti adds more controlled airspace to the east. We check every Ann Arbor location on the FAA sectional, B4UFLY and NOTAMs before quoting, and file LAANC or FAA authorization for any address that needs it.

Michigan Stadium and campus

Michigan Stadium is on the FAA stadium list, so the 3 nautical mile flight restriction applies from an hour before to an hour after covered events. The University of Michigan prohibits outdoor drone flights on or over its property without a written waiver, so campus shoots start with that request well ahead. Inside Crisler Center we fly small drones with the venue's approval. Fully enclosed indoor flights are generally outside FAA airspace rules, so we fly one-take fly-throughs with the owner's approval; see indoor fly-through tours.

Michigan drone law and state parks

Michigan's Unmanned Aircraft System Act generally prevents cities and counties from passing their own drone ordinances, and state law makes it a felony to knowingly use a drone to interfere with a prison or other key facility. Michigan DNR rules allow drones in state parks and recreation areas, but not over campgrounds, occupied beaches or equestrian facilities, or within 100 yards of historic sites, and commercial flights need the department's written permission first. That covers the Pinckney and Waterloo recreation areas west of Ann Arbor.

Credits

the Austin City Limits Hulu live broadcast, Braves at Truist Park and All Things Go Music Festival aerials at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.

Related

Detroit, MI drone videographer | Grand Rapids, MI drone videographer | Chicago drone videography | Cleveland, OH drone videographer | Columbus, OH drone videographer | Augusta drone videography (headquarters) | Lynchburg, VA drone videography (second location) | Live broadcast drones | Concert and festival drones | All locations

Nearby cities we fly

Lansing, MI drone videographer | Fort Wayne, IN drone videographer | Dayton, OH drone videographer | Indianapolis, IN drone videographer

FAQs

Do you need FAA approval to fly in Ann Arbor?

It depends on the address. Ann Arbor Municipal Airport has Class D airspace while its tower is open. We check every location on the FAA sectional and B4UFLY before quoting and file LAANC where it is needed.

Can you fly near Michigan Stadium on game days?

Not inside the FAA stadium flight restriction, which covers 3 nautical miles from an hour before to an hour after covered events. We schedule nearby shoots outside that window.

Can you fly on the University of Michigan campus?

Only with a written university waiver. We request it well ahead of any campus shoot.

Can you fly in Michigan state parks?

Yes, with written DNR permission for commercial work, and never over campgrounds, occupied beaches or within 100 yards of historic sites.

What insurance do you carry?

Our standard policy is $10M liability, with optional coverage up to $25M when a venue, league or network requires it. Certificates naming your venue or production are issued before the shoot.

Request a Quote

Tell us the date, location and what you need filmed. Request a Quote or call 706-284-8364.