Recreational drones in Dane County follow FAA rules (49 USC §44809): TRUST test, registration if over 0.55 lbs, 400-ft ceiling, VLOS. Madison/Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) Class C airspace restricts flights. Madison Parks prohibit launches without permit.
Recreational drone use throughout Dane County is primarily governed by FAA Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 USC §44809). Operators must register drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs with the FAA ($5, 3-year term), pass the free TRUST safety test, fly below 400 feet AGL, maintain visual line of sight (VLOS), and avoid other aircraft. Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison has Class C controlled airspace extending 5 nautical miles; flights require LAANC authorization. Truax Field Air National Guard base adds military airspace considerations. Madison Parks Division prohibits drone takeoff and landing in city parks without a written permit (MGO §8.12 park use rules). State Capitol grounds, UW-Madison campus, and Camp Randall Stadium are no-fly zones during events. Lake Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa shorelines are popular flying areas subject to FAA Remote ID rules. Night flying requires anti-collision lights visible 3 statute miles.
FAA violations under 14 CFR Part 107/§44809: $1,000 to $27,500. Madison park violations: $50 to $500. Reckless operation near airports: potential federal criminal charges.
Middleton, WI
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Middleton, WI
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Middleton, WI
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Middleton, WI
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Middleton, WI
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Middleton, WI
Middleton requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dane County.
See how Middleton's recreational drones rules stack up against other locations.
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