Overview
Illinois allows recreational and commercial drone operations under federal FAA Part 107. Illinois Public Act 100-1179 specifically addresses privacy via drone surveillance. Class B airspace around Chicago airports (ORD, MDW) requires LAANC clearance.
Key State Laws & Restrictions
The following laws and regulations apply to drone operations in Illinois. Federal FAA rules apply in addition to all state requirements listed below.
- 14 CFR 107: 400 ft AGL max altitude, VLOS requirement
- Illinois Public Act 100-1179: Prohibition on surveillance via drone — unauthorized drone surveillance for voyeurism is criminal offense
- Illinois Penal Code § 12-16: Stalking by drone — drone harassment with intent to harass/threaten is criminal
- Illinois Penal Code § 21-1: Disorderly conduct — drone operations disrupting peace are criminal
- Chicago airspace: Class B airspace (ORD, MDW) requires LAANC authorization
- Private property: Illinois trespass law applies to drone flight over private land
- Illinois Penal Code § 21-2: Reckless conduct via drone — operations creating substantial risk of harm are criminal
- Illinois Property Code § 5-101: Trespass to real property — drone flight without consent is civil/criminal violation
- Illinois Penal Code § 12-14: Harassment via drone — repeated drone surveillance with intent to vex or annoy is criminal
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources: State parks and nature preserves — no drone flight without Special Use Permit
- Illinois Department of Conservation: Wildlife protection areas — no drone operations in wildlife refuges or management areas
- Shawnee National Forest (Southern Illinois): Special Use Permit required for any commercial drone operations on federal forest land
- Illinois Education Code § 105 ILCS 5/34-83: School airspace — no drone flight over school buildings/grounds without authorization
- Illinois Health Facilities & Services Act: No drone flight over hospitals, emergency departments, or medical facilities
- Illinois Labor Code § 820 ILCS 405: Construction site safety — commercial drones require coordination with site safety protocols
- Illinois Electrical Code § 820 ILCS 1104: No drone interference with electrical utility infrastructure or transmission lines
- Illinois Environmental Protection Act: Environmental assessment may be required for commercial operations in sensitive areas
Permits & Licensing
Commercial: Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) required. Recreational: Register at faadronezone.faa.gov and pass TRUST test.
Recreational Flying in Illinois
Recreational drone pilots in Illinois must comply with federal Community Based Organization (CBO) safety guidelines and:
- Register their drone with the FAA (if 0.55 lbs or heavier)
- Pass the TRUST test (free, online at trust.faa.gov)
- Fly only within approved airspace — use B4UFLY to check before each flight
- Maintain visual line of sight at all times
- Fly below 400 ft AGL in uncontrolled airspace
- Never fly over people, moving vehicles, or emergency response scenes
- Respect all state and local privacy and trespass laws
Commercial Operations (Part 107) in Illinois
Commercial drone operations in Illinois require an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under 14 CFR Part 107. Key requirements:
- Pass the FAA Part 107 Aeronautical Knowledge Test at an FAA-approved testing center
- Register all drones used for commercial purposes with the FAA
- Carry proof of Remote Pilot Certificate during all flights
- Request LAANC authorization for controlled airspace operations
- Comply with all state-specific statutes listed above
- Obtain any required local permits for filming, events, or public land use
- Secure appropriate liability insurance for commercial operations
Airspace & Restricted Areas
Beyond state-specific restrictions, drone pilots in Illinois must respect federal airspace designations:
- Class B/C/D airspace — Surrounds major and regional airports. LAANC authorization required.
- Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) — Check tfr.faa.gov before every flight.
- National Parks & Monuments — Generally prohibited without NPS permit (NPS UAS policy).
- Military installations — No drone flight without DoD authorization.
- Stadiums & sporting events — Prohibited within 3 nautical miles during game time.
- Wildfire TFRs — Immediately prohibited if a TFR is issued.
Use the B4UFLY app and LAANC system to verify airspace before every flight.