Recreational drone flights over Champaign County follow federal law, 49 U.S.C. section 44809: register drones over 250 grams, pass the free TRUST test, stay below 400 feet, and keep visual line of sight. Airspace near University of Illinois Willard Airport needs LAANC authorization.
Champaign County does not regulate recreational drones; the FAA controls the airspace over Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, and the farmland between them. Under 49 U.S.C. section 44809 you may fly for fun without a Part 107 certificate if you register any drone over 250 grams, pass the free TRUST test, keep the aircraft within visual line of sight, stay below 400 feet, and yield to crewed aircraft. University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI) near Savoy creates controlled airspace where LAANC authorization applies. Illinois adds the Freedom from Drone Surveillance Act (725 ILCS 167), which limits police drone surveillance, not hobby flights.
The FAA can impose civil penalties in the thousands of dollars for flying an unregistered drone, above 400 feet, or in controlled airspace without authorization. Reckless operation can also draw criminal charges.
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