Commercial Drones: Arlington Heights vs Oak Lawn
How do commercial drones rules compare between Arlington Heights, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Arlington Heights has fewer restrictions than Oak Lawn.
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 →Oak Lawn, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operators in Oak Lawn must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for Midway's Class B airspace before every flight. Filming on Village property or public right-of-way may also require a Village filming permit.
View full Oak Lawn rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington Heights | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (Midway Class B) |
| Village Permit | - | May be required for filming |
| Insurance | - | COI required for 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.
Oak Lawn FAQ
Is LAANC automatic approval enough to fly commercially in Oak Lawn?
It satisfies airspace authorization, but you still need a Part 107 certificate, drone registration, and any Village filming or property-access permits. Flights above the LAANC grid ceiling require a separate FAA waiver.
Can I fly over the 95th Street corridor for a real estate shoot?
Flight over moving vehicles or people requires a Part 107.39 waiver or operations under the Category 1-3 rules for Operations Over People. Coordinate with the property owner and, if public right-of-way is used, the Village.
How close to Midway can I operate?
Distance alone is not the rule - airspace class is. LAANC will set your altitude ceiling based on Midway's grid. Some grids near the airport are 0 ft, meaning no flight without an individual FAA authorization.
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