Madison, WI Drone Rules: Recreational Drones (2026)

Recreational drone operation in Madison falls under the FAA's Recreational Flyer rules (49 USC 44809) and the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations. Most of Madison lies within the Class C controlled airspace of Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), requiring airspace authorization through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) before flight. Flights must stay below 400 feet AGL within the ceilings set by the UAS Facility Map, maintain visual line of sight, yield to manned aircraft, avoid stadiums and sporting events, and avoid emergency response operations. Drones weighing over 0.55 pounds must be registered with the FAA, and the registration number must be marked on the exterior. As of September 2023, Remote ID broadcast is required for nearly all drones. Wisconsin Statute 114.045 makes it a Class C misdemeanor to operate a drone over a correctional facility. Madison Parks has additional restrictions: drone takeoff and landing in City parks require a permit. State parks are administered by Wisconsin DNR under separate rules.