Aerial Imaging Services in Montana
Connect with FAA-certified drone operators across 12 cities in Montana. From topographic data collection to construction monitoring, find local operators who know your airspace, your regulations, and your market.
Montana Drone Regulations
Montana does not have comprehensive state-level drone legislation. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all federal regulations. Montana Code Annotated § 60-1-101 defines aircraft as including drones, subjecting them to state aviation regulations where applicable, but the Montana Aeronautics Division defers to FAA authority for commercial drone operations under Part 107. Montana Code § 2-15-3106 gives the Department of Transportation authority over aviation safety, but no specific drone permitting or registration requirement exists at the state level beyond FAA registration. Local municipalities may regulate takeoff and landing on public property. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks requires permits for drone operations in state parks. Operators should check for local city and county ordinances regarding park usage and public property restrictions.
Primary statute: Mont. Code Ann. § 60-1-101 (aircraft definition includes UAS); Mont. Code Ann. § 2-15-3106 (DOT aviation authority)
Last verified: 2026-07-11
Airspace & Flying in Montana
Montana airspace is mostly open and military-heavy. Approximately half the state sits under military special-use airspace — the Montana Air National Guard operates F-16s from Great Falls, Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls hosts ICBMs, and vast military operations areas create restricted zones. Billings Logan (BIL), Missoula (MSO), and Bozeman (BZN) have Class C/D. Mountain terrain, high density-altitude, and severe winter weather are the defining challenges.
Military Installations & Restricted Airspace
- Malmstrom Air Force Base — near Great Falls, ICBM and F-16 operations, restricted airspace
- Great Falls Air National Guard (120th Fighter Wing) — F-16s, restricted/controlled airspace
- Large military operations areas (MOAs) — much of central Montana is military-adjacent
- Proximity to Billings (BIL), Missoula (MSO), Bozeman (BZN) controlled airspace
State Parks & Public Lands
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks requires permits for commercial drone operations in state parks. Roughly half of Montana is under military aviation airspace and national forest land that restrict or require coordination, and Glacier National Park prohibits drone takeoff and landing under NPS regulations.
Montana Construction Market
Montana's construction market is concentrated in its fast-growing mountain-west metros — Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and Kalispell — with Bozeman, Belgrade, and the Gallatin Valley among the fastest-growing areas in the nation. Bozeman anchors high-tech, university (MSU), and resort-adjacent growth; Billings is the largest city and commercial hub for eastern Montana; Missoula anchors university and healthcare construction; and the Flathead (Kalispell, Whitefish) sees resort-led growth. Energy development in the east adds industrial aerial demand.
Typical Aerial Imaging Costs in Montana
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Topographic Data Collection | $1,200 - $5,200 |
| Drone Inspection | $600 - $2,600 |
| LiDAR Scanning | $2,000 - $9,000 |
| Construction Monitoring | $350 - $1,700 |
Cost ranges vary by project size, terrain complexity, and deliverable requirements. Get an exact quote from a local drone operator.
Services Available in Montana
Cities We Serve in Montana
12 cities with local aerial imaging coverage. Select your city for regulations, costs, and local operator connections.
Billings
Yellowstone
Pop. 119,000
Missoula
Missoula
Pop. 75,000
Great Falls
Cascade
Pop. 60,000
Bozeman
Gallatin
Pop. 58,000
Helena
Lewis and Clark
Pop. 35,000
Butte
Silver Bow
Pop. 34,000
Kalispell
Flathead
Pop. 25,000
Havre
Hill
Pop. 9,500
Livingston
Park
Pop. 8,500
Miles City
Custer
Pop. 8,300
Whitefish
Flathead
Pop. 8,000
Laurel
Yellowstone
Pop. 7,500
Montana Aerial Imaging FAQs
Is it legal to fly a drone over a business in Montana?
Yes, with conditions. Commercial drone flights over businesses are legal in Montana if the operator holds a valid FAA Part 107 certificate and complies with FAA rules. Montana does not have a comprehensive state drone law — the dominant constraints are FAA Part 107 and the extensive military airspace covering much of the state.
Does Montana require a state drone license?
No. Montana does not require a separate state-level drone license or registration beyond FAA Part 107. Montana Code 60-1-101 defines aircraft to include drones for state aviation, but the state defers to FAA authority for commercial operations.
Can I fly a drone in Glacier National Park?
No. Glacier National Park prohibits drone takeoff and landing and recreational use under NPS regulations. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks also requires permits for commercial operations in state parks.
Are drones restricted near Great Falls?
Yes. Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls hosts ICBM and F-16 operations with restricted airspace, and the Great Falls Air National Guard operates fighters. Much of central Montana is military operations airspace — review sectionals and NOTAMs carefully.
How much does aerial imaging cost in Montana?
Mountain-state travel and terrain raise pricing — topographic imaging typically runs $1,200 to $5,200, with LiDAR from $2,000 to $9,000. Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley have the most active, competitive markets.
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Get StartedAeriusView connects clients with FAA-certified drone operators. Services are not licensed land surveying. Deliverables are not authoritative for boundary determination, design, or legal purposes.