Commercial Drones: Des Plaines vs Orland Park
How do commercial drones rules compare between Des Plaines, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Orland Park has fewer restrictions than Des Plaines.
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 →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operators must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and obtain LAANC authorization for Midway airspace covering Orland Park. Filming and surveying involving village property or events requires coordination with the village.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Des Plaines | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Certification | Part 107 required | 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 | Required for village permits |
| Village Permit | - | Required for filming on public property |
| LAANC Authorization | - | Required near Midway |
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.
Orland Park FAQ
Do I need an Orland Park permit for commercial drone work?
If the operation involves village property, street closures, or filming on public rights-of-way, a film permit is required. Private-property work generally does not need a village permit but must comply with FAA rules.
How do I get authorization to fly near Midway?
Use LAANC via approved apps such as Aloft or Airmap for near-instant FAA airspace authorization.
Can I fly over Orland Square Mall?
Flying over crowds or moving vehicles requires specific FAA waivers, and the property owner's written permission is required for operations over private commercial property.
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