Recreational drone flight in Westland is governed by FAA rules and Michigan's UAS Act, which preempts most local regulation. Westland sits in DTW Class B airspace and requires LAANC authorization.
Westland sits within the Class B airspace of Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), so all drone flight - including recreational - requires real-time authorization through the FAA's LAANC system or via DroneZone before takeoff. Recreational pilots must register drones over 0.55 pounds with the FAA, pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, fly under 400 feet, yield to manned aircraft, and avoid emergency response operations. Michigan's Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (PA 436 of 2016) preempts cities from imposing their own UAS-specific regulations, so Westland does not adopt local drone-specific ordinances. However, general laws still apply: trespass, voyeurism (MCL 750.539j), reckless endangerment, harassment, and Westland park rules that prohibit operating model aircraft in city parks without permission.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Wayne County.
See how other cities in Wayne County handle recreational drones.
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