Drone laws in Chicago, If you are planning to bring your drone to Chicago and want to know whether or not a drone is allowed in this state. Here is what I discovered after doing some research to determine whether this is legal.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that as long as you abide by the various state and local drone laws pertaining to recreational flying, you are permitted to fly your drone in Chicago. Prior to taking flight, you must register your drone with the FAA and abide by all of their rules and regulations.
Drones are not allowed to fly over government buildings, schools, and also private properties without their permission.
We will discuss the national, state, and local laws that apply to drone flying in Chicago in this blog. I’ll also offer some advice on where in Chicago to fly your drone and how to register your drone in this state.
Chicago Drone Laws:
Drone laws in Chicago, since Chicago has a population greater than 1 million, it is legal for it to enact its own drone usage laws. Along with the majority of the general federal regulations, you’ll see that some of the rules are specific to Chicago.
Here are the Chicago local drone laws:
- If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds but less than 55 pounds, register it with the FAA.
- Only use your drone for recreational purposes when flying it.
- Never fly your drone higher than 400 feet.
- Never fly a drone near an airport (within 5 miles) without permission.
- Avoid flying your drones at night.
- Don’t fly your drone over private property without the owner’s permission.
- In poor weather, avoid using a drone.
- Don’t fly your drone near moving vehicles and also with manned aircraft.
- Always be careful of people while flying drones in Chicago.
For more information about flying drones in Chicago then you can visit FFA (Federal Aviation Administration) website.
What Are the Drone Laws in Illinois?
Illinois has many great cities for flying into, but before you can look at the rules for those cities, you need to look at the rules for the entire state.
Illinois was one of the first states to enact legislation regulating drone use within its borders. These laws help to restrict the places where drone use is legal.
State Drone Laws in Chicago:
HB 1652 / 2013: This law prohibits drone operators from using their devices in a way that impedes fishermen and hunters. Law enforcement agencies are the only exception because they are in charge of carrying out the aforementioned tasks.
SB 2937 // 2014: This law relaxes limitations on the use of drones by law enforcement personnel during counterterrorism operations, rescue missions, crime scene photography, and other law enforcement activities.
Drones may only ever be used by law enforcement agencies if they do so within the prescribed limits, have a valid warrant, or have previously informed the State’s attorney of their intended use.
SB 3291 / 2018: Under this law, the drone regulations of the state of Illinois must be followed by all cities, villages, and municipalities with a population of less than 1,000,000.
City Drone Laws in Chicago:
Schaumburg: It is disallowed to fly a drone within 100 feet of the Schaumburg village boundary.
McHenry County: Drone operation inside any district-owned property is prohibited by law in the county without the executive director’s approval.
Crystal Lake Park: Unless you have specific permission or are in an area that has been designated for it, it is illegal to fly a drone on park property.
Evanston: A drone cannot be used in Evanston until official regulations can be made.
FFA Drone Laws in Chicago:
U.S. drone operations are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Drones that weigh less than 55 pounds are governed by FAA regulations known as small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).
Some of the main rules for (sUAS) operation in the US are as follows:
- Registration: All drones weighing 0.55 to 55 pounds must be registered with the FAA.
- Pilot requirements: Drone operators must be at least 16 years old and have a remote pilot certificate issued by the FAA. The remote pilot certificate requires passing an exam on aeronautical knowledge.
- Without prior approval from air traffic control, drones are not allowed to fly above 400 feet or within five miles of an airport.
- Drones must have the owner’s permission before flying over anyone, anything moving, or any other property.
- Visual Line of Sight: Drone pilots are required to maintain visual contact with their craft at all times.
- No-fly Zones Some locations, such as military installations and national parks, do not permit drone operations.
Read also: Drone Laws In Alabama?
5 Best places to Fly Drone in Chicago State:
Grant Park:
Nearby Grant Park, which is a great place to fly drones, is Millennium Park. It offers lots of open space and beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan.
Chicago Riverwalk:
The Chicago Riverwalk not only offers stunning views of the city’s buildings, but it’s also a fantastic location for unusual aerial photographs.
Montrose Avenue Beach:
Montrose Avenue Beach is another well-known spot along Lake Michigan where you can capture some incredible drone images and videos. Uptown Chicago’s Montrose Avenue Beach has wide open spaces that are ideal for lounging with loved ones, kayaking, cycling, and other activities.
Promontory Point:
Promontory Point offers some of Chicago’s downtown and Lake Michigan’s coolest panoramic views. It is an artificial peninsula that juts out into the ocean. The limestone construction of Promontory Point, which can be seen in the way the steps along the edges are formed, is one of its distinguishing features.
Millennium Park:
A popular Chicago destination, Millennium Park features a large open area and distinctive architecture, including the well-known Cloud Gate sculpture (also known as “The Bean”).
Read also: Drone Laws Tenerife?
Drone Laws in Chicago – Conclusion:
Drone operations in Chicago are subject to both federal and local laws. The Federal Aviation Administration has issued rules for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), which includes drones weighing less than 55 pounds (FAA).
For drone laws in Chicago, the City of Chicago has adopted its own drone ordinance, placing additional limitations on drone operators and making the use of drones in specific locations illegal. Drone operators must be aware of these laws and follow them in order to operate drones safely and legally in Chicago.
Drone operators can enjoy using their aircraft while avoiding legal trouble and capturing breathtaking aerial footage.
FAQ:
Do I need a license to fly a drone in Chicago?
No, if you are flying a drone in Chicago for recreational purposes then you don’t need to obtain a drone pilot license but if our drone is more than 0.55 pounds then you have to register it with FFA. On the other side if someone is flying a drone for commercial use then this person should have to get a drone license to fly a drone in Chicago.
Is it legal to fly drones in Chicago?
As long as you follow the regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the City of Chicago, flying a drone in Chicago is legal. Altitude limitations, restrictions on flying near airports and populated areas, and zones where drone operations are forbidden are all part of these rules. To avoid any legal problems, it is crucial to be aware of and adhere to these regulations.
Is it illegal to fly a drone over someone’s house in Illinois?
There are no specific laws in Illinois that came to the decision to fly a drone over a person’s home. However, drone operators must respect other people’s privacy and avoid using their devices to harass or surveil others.