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114.002(20)(20)“Unairworthy aircraft” means an aircraft that is in a severely damaged condition or in a state of major deterioration as determined under s. 114.20 (5).
114.01114.01State airport system. The department is directed to cooperate with and assist any federal aeronautical agency in the preparation and annual revision of the national airport plan and to lay out a comprehensive state system of airports adequate to provide for the aeronautical needs of the people of all parts of the state. Such state system shall include every airport on the national system and such additional airports as may be deemed necessary. In selecting the general location of the airports on the system and determining their capacity, due regard shall be given to aeronautical necessity as evidenced by the population of the locality to be served, its commerce and industry and such other factors as the department deems pertinent. In selecting the specific sites, due regard shall be given to general suitability for service and economy of development as evidenced by convenience of access, adequacy of available area, character of topography and soils, freedom from hazards and obstructions to flight and other pertinent consideration.
114.01 HistoryHistory: 1971 c. 164 s. 84; 1971 c. 192, 228; 1977 c. 29, 98, 272.
114.02114.02Sky sovereignty. Sovereignty in the space above the lands and waters of this state is declared to rest in the state, except where granted to and assumed by the United States.
114.03114.03Landowner’s rights skyward. The ownership of the space above the lands and waters of this state is declared to be vested in the several owners of the surface beneath, subject to the right of flight described in s. 114.04.
114.04114.04Flying and landing, limitations. Subject to ss. 114.105 (3) and 175.55, and except as provided in ss. 114.045 and 942.10, flight of or in aircraft or spacecraft over the lands and waters of this state is lawful, unless at such a low altitude as to intentionally interfere with the then existing use to which the land or water, or the space over the land or water, is put by the owner, or unless so conducted as to be imminently dangerous or damaging to persons or property lawfully on the land or water beneath. The landing of an aircraft or spacecraft on the lands or waters of another, without the person’s consent, is unlawful, except in the case of a forced landing. For damages caused by a forced landing, however, the owner or lessee of the aircraft or spacecraft or the aeronaut or astronaut shall be liable, as provided in s. 114.05.
114.04 AnnotationSince federal laws and regulations preempt local control of aircraft flights, s. 114.04 cannot be invoked to make unlawful flights that are in accordance with federal laws and regulations. Luedtke v. County of Milwaukee, 521 F.2d 387.
114.04 AnnotationLuedtke, to the extent it holds that all common law remedies for airport noise and pollution have been preempted by federal law, is overruled. Bieneman v. Chicago 1, 864 F.2d 463 (1988).
114.045114.045Limitation on the operation of drones.
114.045(1)(1)No person may operate a drone, as defined in s. 941.292 (1), over a correctional institution, as defined in s. 801.02 (7) (a) 1., including any grounds of the institution, except that a person may operate a drone over an institution that is a state facility with the express authorization of the secretary of corrections or his or her designee or over an institution that is a county facility with the express authorization of the sheriff of the county or his or her designee.
114.045(2)(2)Any person who violates sub. (1) may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000.
114.045(3)(3)A law enforcement officer investigating an alleged violation of sub. (1) shall seize and transfer to the department of corrections or authority in charge of the correctional institution any photograph, motion picture, other visual representation, or data that represents a visual image that was created or recorded by a drone during an alleged violation of sub. (1).
114.045 HistoryHistory: 2015 a. 318; 2017 a. 365; 2021 a. 52.
114.05114.05Damages by aircraft or spacecraft. The liability of the owner, lessee and pilot of every aircraft or spacecraft operating over the lands or waters of this state for injuries or damage to persons or property on the land or water beneath, caused by the ascent, descent or flight of such aircraft or spacecraft, or the dropping or falling of the aircraft or spacecraft or of any object or material therefrom, shall be determined by the law applicable to torts on land, except that there shall be a presumption of liability on the part of the owner, lessee or pilot, as the case may be, where injury or damage is caused by the dropping or falling of the aircraft or spacecraft or of any object or material therefrom, which presumption may be rebutted by proof that the injury or damage was not caused by negligence on the part of the owner, lessee or pilot and the burden of proof in such case shall be upon such owner, lessee or pilot to show absence of negligence on his or her part.
114.05 HistoryHistory: 1993 a. 492; 2005 a. 335.
114.06114.06Inter-aircraft liability. The liability of the owner of one aircraft, to the owner of another aircraft, or to aeronauts or passengers on either aircraft, for damage caused by collision on land or in the air shall be determined by the rules of law applicable to torts on land.
114.06 AnnotationThis section does not make rules of the road under ch. 346 applicable to airplanes. Air Wisconsin, Inc. v. North Central Airlines, Inc. 98 Wis. 2d 301, 296 N.W.2d 749 (1980).
114.07114.07Criminal jurisdiction. All crimes, torts and other wrongs committed by or against an aeronaut, astronaut, or passenger while in flight over this state shall be governed by the laws of this state; and the question whether damage occasioned by or to an aircraft or spacecraft while in flight over this state constitutes a tort, crime or other wrong by or against the owner of such aircraft or spacecraft, shall be determined by the laws of this state.
114.07 HistoryHistory: 2005 a. 335.
114.08114.08Contracts made in flight. All contractual and other legal relations entered into by aeronauts or passengers while in flight over this state shall have the same effect as if entered into on the land or water beneath.
114.09114.09Intoxicated and reckless flying; penalty.
114.09(1)(1)
114.09(1)(a)(a) In this subsection:
114.09(1)(a)1.1. “Drug” has the meaning specified in s. 450.01 (10).
114.09(1)(a)2.2. “Prohibited alcohol concentration” means an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more if there is no passenger in the aircraft, more than 0.00 if there is a passenger in the aircraft.
114.09(1)(b)1.1. No person may operate an aircraft in the air or on the ground or water while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled substances or controlled substance analogs under ch. 961 or a combination thereof, under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely operating an aircraft, or under the combined influence of intoxicating liquor and any other drug to a degree which renders him or her incapable of safely operating an aircraft.
114.09(1)(b)1m.1m. No person may operate an aircraft in the air or on the ground if the person has a prohibited alcohol concentration.
114.09(1)(b)2.2. No person may operate an aircraft in the air or on the ground or water in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of another. In determining whether the operation was careless or reckless the court shall consider the standards for safe operation of aircraft prescribed by federal statutes or regulations governing aeronautics.
114.09(1)(b)3.3. The court shall make a written report of all convictions, including bail or appearance money forfeitures, obtained under this section to the department, which shall send the report to the proper federal agency.
114.09(2)(2)
114.09(2)(a)(a) Any person violating sub. (1) (b) 1. or 1m.:
114.09(2)(a)1.1. Shall forfeit not less than $150 nor more than $300, except as provided in subds. 6. and 7.
114.09(2)(a)2.2. Except as provided in subd. 6., shall be fined not less than $350 nor more than $1,100 and imprisoned for not less than 5 days nor more than 6 months if the number of convictions under ss. 940.09 (1) and 940.25 in the person’s lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations, and other convictions counted under s. 343.307 (1) within a 10-year period, equals 2, except that suspensions, revocations, or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
114.09(2)(a)3.3. Except as provided in subds. 6. and 7., shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 30 days nor more than one year in the county jail if the number of convictions under ss. 940.09 (1) and 940.25 in the person’s lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations, and other convictions counted under s. 343.307 (1), equals 3, except that suspensions, revocations, or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
114.09(2)(a)4.4. Except as provided in subds. 6. and 7., shall be fined not less than $600 nor more than $2,000 and imprisoned for not less than 60 days nor more than one year in the county jail if the number of convictions under ss. 940.09 (1) and 940.25 in the person’s lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations, and other convictions counted under s. 343.307 (1), equals 4, except that suspensions, revocations, or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
114.09(2)(a)5.5. Except as provided in subds. 6. and 7., is guilty of a Class H felony and shall be fined not less than $600 and imprisoned for not less than 6 months if the number of convictions under ss. 940.09 (1) and 940.25 in the person’s lifetime, plus the total number of suspensions, revocations, and other convictions counted under s. 343.307 (1), equals 5 or more, except that suspensions, revocations, or convictions arising out of the same incident or occurrence shall be counted as one.
114.09(2)(a)6.6. If there was a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the aircraft at the time of the violation that gave rise to the conviction under sub. (1) (b) 1. or 1m., the applicable minimum and maximum forfeitures, fines, or imprisonment under subd. 1., 2., 3., 4., or 5. for the conviction are doubled. An offense under sub. (1) (b) 1. or 1m., that subjects a person to a penalty under subd. 3., 4., or 5. when there is a minor passenger under 16 years of age in the aircraft is a felony and the place of imprisonment shall be determined under s. 973.02.
114.09(2)(a)7.a.a. If a person convicted had an alcohol concentration of 0.17 to 0.199, the applicable minimum and maximum fines under subd. 3. to 5. are doubled.
114.09(2)(a)7.b.b. If a person convicted had an alcohol concentration of 0.20 to 0.249, the applicable minimum and maximum fines under subd. 3. to 5. are tripled.
114.09(2)(a)7.c.c. If a person convicted had an alcohol concentration of 0.25 or above, the applicable minimum and maximum fines under subd. 3. to 5. are quadrupled.
114.09(2)(b)(b) In par. (a) 1. to 5., the time period shall be measured from the dates of the refusals or violations that resulted in the revocation or convictions. If a person has a suspension, revocation, or conviction for any offense under a local ordinance or a state statute of another state that would be counted under s. 343.307 (1), that suspension, revocation or conviction shall count as a prior suspension, revocation, or conviction under par. (a) 1. to 5.
114.09(2)(bm)1.1. Except as provided in subd. 1. a. or b., the court shall order the person violating sub. (1) (b) 1. or 1m. to submit to and comply with an assessment by an approved public treatment facility as defined in s. 51.45 (2) (c) for examination of the person’s use of alcohol, controlled substances, or controlled substance analogs and development of an airman safety plan for the person. The court shall notify the person, the department, and the proper federal agency of the assessment order. The assessment order shall:
114.09(2)(bm)1.a.a. If the person is a resident, refer the person to an approved public treatment facility in the county in which the person resides. The facility named in the order may provide for assessment of the person in another approved public treatment facility. The order shall provide that, if the person is temporarily residing in another state, the facility named in the order may refer the person to an appropriate treatment facility in that state for assessment and development of an airman safety plan for the person satisfying the requirements of that state.
114.09(2)(bm)1.b.b. If the person is a nonresident, refer the person to an approved public treatment facility in this state. The order shall provide that the facility named in the order may refer the person to an appropriate treatment facility in the state in which the person resides for assessment and development of an airman safety plan for the person satisfying the requirements of that state.
114.09(2)(bm)1.c.c. Require a person who is referred to a treatment facility in another state under subd. 1. a. or b. to furnish the department written verification of his or her compliance from the agency that administers the assessment and airman safety plan program. The person shall provide initial verification of compliance within 60 days after the date of his or her conviction. The requirement to furnish verification of compliance may be satisfied by receipt by the department of such verification from the agency that administers the assessment and airman safety plan program.
114.09(2)(bm)2.2. The department of health services shall establish standards for assessment procedures and the airman safety plan programs by rule. The department of health services shall establish by rule conflict of interest guidelines for providers.
114.09(2)(bm)3.3. Prior to developing a plan that specifies treatment, the facility shall make a finding that treatment is necessary and appropriate services are available. The facility shall submit a report of the assessment and the airman safety plan within 14 days to the county department under s. 51.42, the plan provider, the department of transportation, the appropriate federal agency, and the person, except that, upon request by the facility and the person, the county department may extend the period for assessment for not more than 20 additional workdays. The county department shall notify the department of transportation regarding any such extension.
114.09(2)(bm)4.4. The assessment report shall order compliance with an airman safety plan. The report shall inform the person of the fee provisions under s. 46.03 (18) (f). The safety plan may include a component that makes the person aware of the effect of his or her offense on a victim and a victim’s family. The safety plan may include treatment for the person’s misuse, abuse, or dependence on alcohol, controlled substances, or controlled substance analogs. If the plan requires inpatient treatment, the treatment shall not exceed 30 days. An airman safety plan under this paragraph shall include a termination date consistent with the plan that shall not extend beyond one year. The county department under s. 51.42 shall assure notification of the department of transportation and the person of the person’s compliance or noncompliance with assessment and treatment.
114.09(2)(c)(c) Any person violating sub. (1) (b) 2.:
114.09(2)(c)1.1. May be required to forfeit not less than $25 nor more than $200, except as provided in subd. 2.
114.09(2)(c)2.2. May be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than one year in the county jail or both if the total of convictions under sub. (1) (b) 2. equals 2 or more in a 4-year period. The 4-year period shall be measured from the dates of the violations that resulted in the convictions.
114.095114.095Dropping objects prohibited. No operator of an aircraft and no passenger therein shall drop any object therefrom except loose water or loose sand ballast; provided, however, that this section shall not prohibit the dusting or spraying of vegetation with insecticides dropped from airplanes, or the sowing of seeds, or the depositing of fish in lakes or streams, or the delivery of packages or mail by dropping from airplanes, or other similar practices, when such is done in accordance with the federal regulations applicable thereto.
114.10114.10Killing birds or animals. Any person who, while in flight within this state, intentionally kills or attempts to kill any birds or animals or who shoots at any bird or animal from an aircraft is subject to the penalties provided under s. 29.971 (7).
114.10 HistoryHistory: 1981 c. 243; 1997 a. 248.
114.103114.103Private security personnel; report to a law enforcement authority.
114.103(1)(1)In this section:
114.103(1)(a)(a) “Controlled substance” has the meaning given in s. 961.01 (4).
114.103(1)(am)(am) “Controlled substance analog” has the meaning given in s. 961.01 (4m).
114.103(1)(b)(b) “Law enforcement officer” has the meaning given in s. 165.85 (2) (c).
114.103(1)(c)(c) “Private security person” has the meaning given in s. 440.26 (1m), but does not include any law enforcement officer.
114.103(2)(a)(a) If any private security person acting in the course of his or her employment at an airport believes, on the basis of personal observation, that someone possesses a controlled substance or a controlled substance analog, without a prescription or an authorization for that possession, or possesses $10,000 or more in cash or that a shipment contains a controlled substance or controlled substance analog or $10,000 or more in cash, the private security person shall report, as soon as practicable and by telephone or in person, to the county sheriff’s office or the police department of the municipality in which the airport is located.
114.103(2)(b)(b) A report under par. (a) shall contain all of the following information, unless the information is unobtainable by the person making the report:
114.103(2)(b)1.1. The name, business address and business telephone number of the person submitting the report.
114.103(2)(b)2.2. The name, address and telephone number of any person who is the subject of the report.
114.103(2)(b)3.3. The date, time and location of the conduct or shipment that is the subject of the report.
114.103(2)(b)4.4. A description of the conduct or shipment being reported, including personal observations and all other factors leading to the reporter’s conclusion that the conduct or shipment has occurred.
114.103(3)(3)Any private security person who violates sub. (2) may be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned for not more than 30 days or both.
114.103 HistoryHistory: 1991 a. 269; 1995 a. 448, 461; 2021 a. 238 s. 44.
114.105114.105Local regulation.
114.105(1)(1)In this section:
114.105(1)(a)(a) “Drone” means an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
114.105(1)(b)(b) “Political subdivision” means a city, village, town, or county.
114.105(2)(2)A political subdivision may adopt any ordinance in strict conformity with the provisions of this chapter and impose the same penalty for violation of any of its provisions except that an ordinance under this subsection may not provide for the suspension or revocation of pilot or aircraft licenses or certificates.
114.105(3)(3)A political subdivision may enact an ordinance limiting the use of drones by the political subdivision.
114.105(4)(a)(a) No political subdivision may enact any ordinance governing aircraft or aeronautics or spacecraft or astronautics contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter or federal law.
114.105(4)(b)(b) Except as provided in sub. (3), no political subdivision may regulate the ownership or operation of a drone.
114.105 HistoryHistory: 1983 a. 151; 2005 a. 335; 2017 a. 322.
114.11114.11Local airports and spaceports; interstate reciprocity.
114.11(1)(1)The governing body of any county, city, village or town in this state is hereby authorized to acquire, establish, construct, own, control, lease, equip, improve, maintain and operate airports or landing fields or landing and take-off strips for the use of airplanes and other aircraft, or spaceports or spacecraft launch or landing areas, either within or without the limits of such counties, cities, villages and towns, and may use for such purpose or purposes any property suitable therefor that is now or may at any time hereafter be owned or controlled by such county, city, village or town, and may regulate the same, provided, such regulation shall not be in conflict with such rules and regulations as may be made by the federal government. The governing body of each and every county and municipality owning an airport or landing field or landing and take-off strip, or spaceport or spacecraft launch or landing area, in the state of Wisconsin shall cause the surroundings of such airport, landing field or landing and take-off strip, or spaceport or spacecraft launch or landing area, to be marked for aeronautical or astronautical purposes, and maintain such marking, subject to and in accordance with law and such rules and regulations as may from time to time be made by the federal government and in so doing may cooperate with other states and subdivisions thereof and acquire rights and easements in property outside of the state.
114.11(2)(2)The governing body of any county, city, village or town of this state is authorized to acquire, establish, construct, own, control, lease, equip, improve, maintain and operate airports or landing fields or landing and take-off strips or other aeronautical facilities, or spaceports or spacecraft launch or landing areas or other astronautical facilities, in an adjoining state whose laws permit, subject to the laws of such state, but subject to the laws of this state in all matters relating to financing such aeronautical or astronautical project.
114.11(3)(3)The governing body of any municipality or other political subdivision of an adjoining state whose laws permit, is hereby authorized to acquire, establish, construct, own, control, lease, equip, improve, maintain and operate airports, or landing fields, or landing and take-off strips or other aeronautical facilities, or spaceports or spacecraft launch or landing areas or other astronautical facilities, in this state, subject to all laws, rules and regulations of this state applicable to its municipalities or other political subdivisions in such aeronautical or astronautical project, but subject to the laws of its own state in all matters relating to financing such project. Such municipality or other political subdivision of an adjoining state shall have all privileges, rights and duties of like municipalities or other political subdivisions of this state, including the right to exercise the right of eminent domain. This subsection shall not apply unless the laws of such adjoining state shall permit municipalities or other political subdivisions of this state to acquire, establish, construct, own, control, lease, equip, improve, maintain, operate and otherwise control such airport, landing field or landing and take-off strips or other aeronautical facilities, or spaceports or spacecraft launch or landing areas or other astronautical facilities, therein with all privileges, rights and duties applicable to the municipalities or other political subdivisions of such adjoining state in such aeronautical or astronautical projects.
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2023-24 Wisconsin Statutes updated through all Supreme Court and Controlled Substances Board Orders filed before and in effect on January 1, 2025. Published and certified under s. 35.18. Changes effective after January 1, 2025, are designated by NOTES. (Published 1-1-25)