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Cook County, IL Drone Rules: Airport Proximity Rules (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

O'Hare airspace
Class B Mode C veil
Midway airspace
Class C surface area
Authorization tool
LAANC via B4UFLY app
Recreational test
TRUST certificate required
Civil penalty
Up to $32,000 per violation

Summary

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.

City-specific rules exist: Chicago has its own airport proximity rules rules that differ from Cook County's county-level regulations. If you live in Chicago, check the city-specific page instead.

What is LAANC? LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability, a collaboration between FAA and Industry. It directly supports UAS integration into the airspace. LAANC provides: Drone pilots with access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet. Awareness of where pilots can and cannot fly. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) information and updates to the Special Use Airspace (SUA) schedule. Air Traffic Professionals with visibility into where and when drones will operate. [...] How and when can drone pilots use LAANC? Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly. LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers. [...] Submit a near real-time authorization request for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports (available to Part 107 Pilots and Recreational Flyers). Submit a "further coordination request" if you need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet. [...] LAANC is available at 726 airports. If you want to fly in controlled airspace near airports not offering LAANC, you can use the manual process to apply for an authorization.

Source: FAA LAANC ProgramView official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a drone in my Cook County backyard near O'Hare?
Only with LAANC authorization through the B4UFLY or DroneZone app. The UAS Facility Map shows the maximum altitude allowed for your grid square. Many areas near O'Hare have a 0-foot ceiling, effectively prohibiting flight without a special waiver.
Does Cook County have its own drone airspace rules?
No. Airspace regulation is exclusively federal under 49 USC 40103. Cook County and municipalities can regulate where drones take off, land, and operate from local property but cannot lawfully restrict altitudes or aerial pathways once the drone is airborne.
What is LAANC?
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability is the FAA system providing near-real-time airspace authorizations for drone flights in controlled airspace. Authorizations come through approved third-party apps and last for the time and altitude requested by the pilot.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cook County

All Cook County rules

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