Southfield Launches FlySafe Drone-Ready Initiative
(City of Southfield, May 31, 2026)
SOUTHFIELD, MI. — With drone use increasing in Southfield for recreation, business, and public safety, the City has launched the Southfield FlySafe Drone-Ready Initiative. This comprehensive resource helps residents, visitors, and drone operators understand where and how to fly drones safely and legally within the city.
“Drones are becoming part of daily life in Southfield, and our residents deserve to know what’s happening in the skies above them,” said Mayor Ken Siver. “FlySafe puts that information at everyone’s fingertips — whether you’re a pilot planning a flight or a neighbor who’s simply curious.”
Powered by Airspace Link in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the initiative provides real-time airspace information, interactive maps, local safety advisories, and step-by-step guidance for recreational and commercial drone pilots.
The FlySafe platform features an interactive map displaying local airspace conditions, restricted areas, and FAA-approved safety advisories in one place. Residents and pilots can use this tool to:
• View areas where drone flights are permitted or restricted.
• Check local advisories and real-time airspace conditions.
• Plan flights using accurate, up-to-date information,
• Access guidance aligned with federal safety standards.
• Request FAA LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) flight authorizations in near real-time through Airspace Link’s AirHub® Portal.
The FlySafe initiative prioritizes community trust. The platform does not track individuals, collect personal data, or monitor drone activity. All information is sourced from FAA-approved systems and publicly available data.
The City encourages all drone operators to take the following steps before flying:
• Confirm Certifications: Obtain a valid FAA TRUST Certificate (recreational) or Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial).
• Register Your Drone: All drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs must be registered with the FAA.
• Create a Pilot Account: Register in the AirHub® Portal at portal.airspacelink.com to access up-to-date airspace information and submit flight authorization requests.
• Plan Your Operation: Use the interactive map to locate your flight area and define operation details such as altitude and start time.
• Request FAA Authorization: Submit your request through the AirHub® Portal for near real-time FAA approval to operate in controlled airspace under 400 feet. For inquiries about drone delivery, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, businesses and operators should contact the City directly.
Residents and drone users are encouraged to visit the Southfield FlySafe page to explore the interactive map, review FAA resources, and learn more about safe drone operations in the city. Always check where it is safe to fly before launching.
For more information, visit www.cityofsouthfield.com/residents/southfield-flysafe-drone-ready-initiative.
