Drone flight in controlled airspace surrounding Chicago O'Hare (KORD) and Midway (KMDW) requires FAA Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) clearance through the B4UFLY or DroneZone app. Cook County and municipalities cannot authorize flights the FAA prohibits.
Federal aviation regulations preempt local airspace control. Drones flown within Class B airspace surrounding O'Hare and Class C surrounding Midway must obtain LAANC authorization at or below the published UAS Facility Map altitude (often 0 feet near runways, rising to 100-400 feet farther out). Recreational pilots must follow 49 USC 44809 safety guidelines and pass TRUST. Part 107 commercial pilots use the same LAANC system. Within 5 miles of any airport, recreational flyers must check the UAS Facility Map. Cook County and municipalities may regulate launch and landing on local property but cannot grant airspace clearance; only the FAA and ATC can.
Flying without LAANC authorization in O'Hare or Midway controlled airspace violates 14 CFR Part 107 or 49 USC 44809 and exposes the pilot to FAA civil penalties up to $32,000 per violation, plus possible criminal charges and certificate revocation.
See how Arlington Heights's airport proximity rules rules stack up against other locations.
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