Commercial Drones: Oak Lawn vs Schaumburg
How do commercial drones rules compare between Oak Lawn, IL and Schaumburg, IL?
Oak Lawn and Schaumburg have similar restriction levels.
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 →Schaumburg, IL
Cook County
Commercial drone operations in Schaumburg require FAA Part 107 certification. Operators must obtain LAANC authorization due to proximity to O'Hare Airport and comply with all federal and Village regulations.
View full Schaumburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Oak Lawn | Schaumburg |
|---|---|---|
| FAA Certification | Part 107 required | - |
| LAANC | Required (Midway Class B) | - |
| Village Permit | May be required for filming | - |
| Insurance | COI required for permits | - |
| Certification | - | FAA Part 107 required |
| Airspace | - | LAANC authorization mandatory |
| Max Altitude | - | 400 feet AGL |
| Over People | - | Category 1–4 compliance |
| Max Fine | - | $27,500 per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Schaumburg FAQ
What license do I need to fly a drone commercially in Schaumburg?
You need an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). This requires passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test and being at least 16 years old.
Can I do aerial photography for real estate in Schaumburg?
Yes, with a Part 107 certificate and LAANC authorization for the specific location. You must comply with all Part 107 operating rules including altitude and line-of-sight requirements.
Are there special restrictions near Woodfield Mall?
The Woodfield area may have additional airspace and security considerations. Always check LAANC for altitude restrictions and be aware that temporary flight restrictions may apply during major events.
Compare other topics
See how Oak Lawn and Schaumburg compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool