Commercial Drones: Arlington Heights vs Des Plaines
How do commercial drones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Des Plaines.
Arlington Heights, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operations in Cook County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. O'Hare and Midway airspace restrictions significantly affect operations. State law (620 ILCS 5) adds Illinois-specific drone provisions.
View full Arlington Heights rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operators in Des Plaines must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for nearly every flight due to O'Hare Class B airspace. Operations on city property or involving filming may also require a Des Plaines film/special-event permit.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| License | FAA Part 107 required | - |
| Airspace | LAANC/waiver for controlled | - |
| State Law | 620 ILCS 5 | - |
| FAA Fine | Up to $32,666 | - |
| FAA Certification | - | Part 107 required |
| LAANC | - | Required - O'Hare Class B |
| Many areas | - | 0 ft AGL ceiling - waiver needed |
| City Permit | - | May be required for filming |
| Insurance | - | Required for city permits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington Heights FAQ
Can I operate a drone commercially in Cook County?
Yes, with an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Most of Cook County requires LAANC authorization due to O'Hare and Midway airport airspace.
Do I need additional permits beyond FAA?
Forest Preserve operations need a district permit. Illinois law adds state requirements. Commercial drone businesses must comply with county zoning for their base of operations.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I do real estate drone photography in Des Plaines?
Yes, with a Part 107 certificate and LAANC authorization, but expect many properties to fall in 0 ft grids requiring an FAA airspace waiver that can take 60-90 days.
Do I need a city permit?
Operations on private property generally do not require a city permit, but filming on public streets, in parks, or for advertising production typically requires a Des Plaines film/special-event permit.
Can I fly near Rivers Casino?
It is in restricted airspace adjacent to O'Hare and on private property. You need the casino's written permission plus FAA airspace authorization.
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