Oakland County, MI Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

Part 107 certification requires the operator to be at least 16, English-proficient, and to pass the FAA aeronautical knowledge exam at an approved testing center. The certificate has no expiration but operating privileges lapse unless the pilot completes a free online recurrent training course every 24 months. Standard Part 107 operations forbid (a) flight over open-air assemblies of people without a Category 1-4 compliance and waiver, (b) flight over moving vehicles without the same, (c) flight beyond visual line of sight without a waiver, and (d) operations from a moving vehicle in a populated area. The 2021 Operations Over People rule lifted the blanket ban on overhead flight but requires aircraft to meet specific impact-energy limits. Effective in 2023, Remote ID broadcast is mandatory for any registered drone — Oakland County operators must either fly a Standard Remote ID drone or attach a Remote ID broadcast module. Local cooperation: even though MCL 259.305 preempts local drone regulation, commercial pilots routinely coordinate with municipalities, the Road Commission for Oakland County, and Oakland County International Airport (PTK) operations for shoots near roadways, airfields, or events. Insurance: most commercial clients in Oakland County now require $1M-$2M aviation liability per occurrence; underwriters frequently exclude flights without LAANC clearance or without Part 107 certification.