Michigan Newbie Looking for Practice Area's

Ray&Paula · May 19, 2018

Hi, Im on the edge of getting the Mavic Air but, I'm faced with a problem. Im looking for a place to practice in an open area that's both safe and without a million people around. I live between Flint and Saginaw and also frequently visit Gaylord & Mancelona area's as well. If anyone has any good idea's where I could legally practice/fly in those area's I would sincerely appreciate it? Thanks, Ray

Ray&Paula · May 23, 2018

I contacted a private airport yesterday morning around 9:30am in my area that was in a light yellow color in AirMap app. I'd like to add, this airport does'n have a manned control tower. AirMap showed the phone number which stated to contact the airport and ATC. I called just to introduce myself along with my intensions of flying in the area in the near future. A woman answered by saying hello as in a normal phone call. I asked if this is the airport and she stated yes. I told her why I was calling and she stated that she would have her husband call me back....... didn't happen yet.
Now my question; What if I was calling to fly and this happened? Would I just be S.O.L.? As I stated in the O.P. I'm on the edge of getting the Mavic Air in which this is kind of disappointing. There are several private airports in my area in which I'm hoping contacting them won't be a hassle.

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

You’re in luck! Michigan has a drone preemption law that allows you to fly in any state or local park.

The law actually prevents any unit of government other than state congress and faa from making drone regulations. So you can fly from pretty much any public property in the state, except the state Capitol and national parks.

Ray&Paula · May 23, 2018

Lapeer20m said:
You’re in luck! Michigan has a drone preemption law that allows you to fly in any state or local park.

The law actually prevents any unit of government other than state congress and faa from making drone regulations. So you can fly from pretty much any public property in the state, except the state Capitol and national parks.

Thanks for the info........ Is this spelled out anywhere?

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

I also think that calling the number for each “airport” and leaving a message is pretty standard procedure.

Remember, you are not asking for permission, just informing them of your intentions.

Ray&Paula · May 23, 2018

I feel the same........

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

“1) Except as expressly authorized by statute, a political subdivision shall not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that regulates the ownership or operation of unmanned aircraft or otherwise engage in the regulation of the ownership or operation of unmannedaircraft.”

Michigan Legislature - Section 259.305

ksmusa · May 23, 2018

Ray&Paula said:
Thanks for the info........ Is this spelled out anywhere?

Drone Laws in Michigan

Ray&Paula · May 23, 2018

Thanks to both of you...... I'm looking at the drone laws here in Michigan about registering. As a hobbyist recreational user it appears I "have to" to register with the state? FAADroneZone
I know I have to register with the FAA along with having the registered numbers applied on the drone. Now it appears that state registration numbers have to be applied on the drone as well. Where do you place all these numbers? Now I'm wondering what may happen if I decide to fly in other states while traveling?

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

Incorrect.

You only have to register with the faa.

Ray&Paula · May 23, 2018

Lapeer20m said:
Incorrect.

You only have to register with the faa.

I was under the impression that this FAADroneZone had to do with the state of Michigan, separate from the FAA registration. I also see that the registration number can be marked within the battery compartment.

Lapeer20m · May 23, 2018

Ray&Paula said:
I was under the impression that this FAADroneZone had to do with the state of Michigan, separate from the FAA registration. I also see that the registration number can be marked within the battery compartment.

Nope. That is an faa (federal) website

Ray&Paula · May 23, 2018

Lapeer20m said:
Nope. That is an faa (federal) website

After re-reading from the site, I see that it's basically stating that Michigan requires you to be registered with the FAA. At first glance, I thought this was seperate from the FAA registration. Thanks for helping me clear this up. Ray