Commercial Drones: Des Plaines vs Oak Lawn
How do commercial drones rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Oak Lawn, IL?
Des Plaines and Oak Lawn have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Des Plaines | Oak Lawn |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Certification | Part 107 required | Part 107 required |
| LAANC | Required - O'Hare Class B | Required (Midway Class B) |
| Many areas | 0 ft AGL ceiling - waiver needed | - |
| City Permit | May be required for filming | - |
| Insurance | Required for city permits | COI required for permits |
| Village Permit | - | May be required for filming |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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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