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Flying Your Drone Safely in the City of Detroit

 

The City of Detroit supports the safe, respectful, and legal use of drones in our community—for recreation, education, and innovation. The FLYSAFE initiative provides residents, visitors, and businesses with up-to-date information on where and how to operate drones safely. Here, you’ll find tools, resources, and local information to help you plan safe flights in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. 

For details on certifications, operational guidelines, and authorizations, visit the FAQ & FAA Resources section below.

Why FLYSAFE?

The FLYSAFE program empowers the community to:

  • Understand where drone operations are permitted or restricted.
  • Access local advisories and event notifications.
  • Plan flights with accurate, real-time risk and airspace data.
  • Operate safely in compliance with FAA regulations.

Through Airspace Link’s AirHub® Portal, pilots can view safety advisories, check local conditions, and request FAA flight authorizations within minutes.
Note: Detroit FLYSAFE does not capture personal information or live video. All displayed data is sourced from the FAA and City-approved systems.

 

Interactive Map: See Where It’s Safe to Fly

Use the interactive map below to explore Detroit’s airspace. View local advisories, restricted zones, and FAA charts—all in one place. This tool informs of where drone flights are permitted, restricted, or require authorization. Areas are color-coded to reflect different airspace rules. Click on the map for more details and always confirm your flight plan using FAA-approved tools.

Interactive Detroit Map

 

For Commercial or Advanced Drone Operations

For drone delivery, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure and support in the region:

Contact the City of Detroit
For program participation, data sharing, or operational permissions.

Contact Airspace Link For enterprise tools, integrations, or training with AirHub® Portal and FLYSAFE systems.

 

How Pilots Can Get Started 

Confirm Certifications

Ensure you have a valid FAA TRUST Certificate (recreational) or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial).

Register Your Drone

All drones weighing more than 0.55 lb must be registered with the FAA.

Create a Pilot Account

Register as a drone pilot in the AirHub® Portal. Once registered, you’ll have access to up-to-date airspace information and can submit flight authorization requests through LAANC.

Plan Your Operation

Locate your flight area using an address, coordinates, or the interactive map. Define operation details such as altitude, start time, and flight area.

Request FAA Authorization

Submit your request AirHub® Portal for near real-time FAA approval to operate in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

 

FAQ & FAA Resources

FAA TRUST Test (Recreational Pilots)

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is required for all recreational drone pilots in the U.S. It ensures pilots understand basic safety and airspace rules before flying. The free online test can be completed in about 30 minutes through FAA-approved providers.

 

Quick Facts for Pilots

  • Remote Pilot Certificate: Obtain by passing an FAA knowledge test (or online course for Part 61 pilots).
  • Aircraft Weight: Must be under 55 lbs (25 kg) to operate under Part 107.
  • Altitude Limit: Max 400 ft AGL (unless within 400 ft of a structure).
  • Speed Limit: Max 100 mph (87 knots).
  • Visual Line of Sight: Drone must remain within unaided sight; one pilot per drone.
  • Daylight Operations: Daylight or twilight only (30 min before sunrise / after sunset) with anti-collision lighting.
  • Night Operations: Allowed if pilot has completed night-flight training and anti-collision lights are used.
  • Operations Over People: Permitted if drone meets FAA category requirements.
  • Controlled Airspace: Requires LAANC or FAA authorization, even below 400 ft.