Commercial drone operations in Cook County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. O'Hare and Midway airspace restrictions significantly affect operations. State law (620 ILCS 5) adds Illinois-specific drone provisions.
Commercial drone operations in Cook County require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Due to O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport, much of Cook County is in controlled airspace requiring LAANC authorization or FAA airspace waivers for commercial flights. Operations in Class B airspace around O'Hare have particularly strict requirements. Illinois law (620 ILCS 5/44.4) establishes additional state-level drone regulations applicable to commercial operators. Cook County Forest Preserves require a specific permit for any drone operation including commercial use. Building and Zoning may have additional requirements for drone-related business activities. Commercial operators must carry liability insurance and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations simultaneously.
Operating without Part 107: FAA enforcement, up to $32,666 fine. Airspace violation: federal enforcement. State violation: per 620 ILCS 5.
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Evanston, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
See how other cities in Cook County handle commercial drones.
See how Evanston's commercial drones rules stack up against other locations.
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