Commercial Drones: Bolingbrook vs Joliet
How do commercial drones rules compare between Bolingbrook, IL and Joliet, IL?
Joliet has fewer restrictions than Bolingbrook.
Bolingbrook, IL
Will County
Commercial drone operators in Will County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. LAANC airspace authorization required near Lewis University (KLOT), Joliet Regional (JOT), and Clow International (1C5). Real estate, construction, and intermodal hub inspection flights are common. Argonne National Lab airspace (DuPage) borders northern Will County.
View full Bolingbrook rules →Joliet, IL
Will County
Commercial drone operations in Joliet require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Joliet does not have a separate local commercial drone ordinance. Operators must pass the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and comply with Part 107 rules including daylight operations, visual line of sight, and airspace authorization. Will County's numerous airports require careful airspace planning for commercial flights.
View full Joliet rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bolingbrook | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Rule | 14 CFR Part 107 | - |
| Certification Renewal | Every 24 months | - |
| Class D Airports | KLOT, JOT, 1C5 | - |
| Argonne Lab | Federal security no-fly | - |
| State Preemption | 49 USC 40103 airspace | - |
| Certification | - | FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate required |
| Local License | - | No additional city commercial drone license required |
| Max Altitude | - | 400 feet above ground level |
| Airspace | - | LAANC authorization required near airports |
| Operations | - | Daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lights |
| Speed Limit | - | 100 mph maximum groundspeed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bolingbrook FAQ
Can I fly commercially over the BNSF Logistics Park Chicago intermodal yard?
Only under contract with BNSF or with explicit rail security approval. Unauthorized overflight of rail facilities raises federal security concerns under 49 USC and DHS rules.
Does Illinois require a state-level commercial drone license?
No. Illinois respects FAA preemption under 49 USC 40103. Only Part 107 and local business licensing apply.
Joliet FAQ
What do I need to operate a commercial drone in Joliet?
You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, obtained by passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test. Your drone must be registered with the FAA. No additional city license is required beyond standard business licensing.
Can I fly a commercial drone near airports in Will County?
You must obtain LAANC authorization or a waiver for flights in controlled airspace near any of Will County's 21 airports. Use the FAA DroneZone or B4UFLY app for authorization.
Are there additional Joliet requirements for commercial drone operators?
Joliet does not impose additional local licensing requirements specifically for commercial drones. However, operators must comply with all applicable FAA Part 107 rules and any standard city business licensing requirements.
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