LegaltoFly

Can I fly a drone in Chicago, IL?

Short answer · Yes

Yes. Central Chicago, IL is in uncontrolled Class G airspace, so you can fly up to 400 ft above the ground without FAA authorization. Watch for traffic near Chicago Police Marine, 1.1 NM ENE. Always check for temporary flight restrictions before you fly.

Airspace at ground level
Class G (uncontrolled)
Nearest airport or heliport
Chicago Police Marine (10LL), 1.1 NM ENE

For the center of Chicago, from FAA data as of Oct 5, 10:04 PM CDT. Airspace changes block by block; check your exact address below, and check for temporary flight restrictions before every flight.

Check an exact address in Chicago

Common questions

›Can I fly a drone in Chicago, IL?

Yes. Central Chicago, IL is in uncontrolled Class G airspace, so you can fly up to 400 ft above the ground without FAA authorization. Watch for traffic near Chicago Police Marine, 1.1 NM ENE. Always check for temporary flight restrictions before you fly.

›Do I need LAANC authorization to fly a drone in Chicago?

Not in central Chicago, which is Class G airspace. Parts of the city closer to an airport may be controlled; check the exact address above.

›Are there airports or heliports near Chicago?

Within 5 NM of the city center: Chicago Police Marine (heliport, 1.1 NM ENE); Lurie Childrens Hospital (heliport, 1.2 NM NNE); Vertiport Chicago (heliport, 2 NM WSW); Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital (heliport, 2.8 NM WNW); First Area Police Hdqtrs (heliport, 4.7 NM S).

›Do I need a license to fly a drone in Illinois?

For fun, you need the free FAA TRUST certificate and to register drones over 250 g. For any business use, you need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Local parks may add their own rules.

Can I fly a drone in…

How the check works

We look up the airspace over your point at ground level. Class G is uncontrolled and needs no authorization below 400 ft. Class B, C, D and Class E surface areas around airports are controlled, and flying there needs FAA authorization, usually through LAANC (14 CFR 107.41). Temporary flight restrictions, prohibited and restricted areas, and National Park Service land each change the answer. Weather comes from the nearest airport report and the National Weather Service forecast for the exact point, compared with the Part 107 minimums and your drone's wind limit.

Recreational flyers follow the same airspace rules and also need the free TRUST certificate. Flying for any business needs a Part 107 certificate. Free Part 107 study guide.

Data sources

  • Airspace & special use airspace: FAA ADDS
  • LAANC ceilings: FAA UAS Facility Maps
  • Temporary flight restrictions: FAA TFR feed and NOTAM records
  • Airports & heliports: FAA NASR
  • METAR & TAF: NOAA Aviation Weather Center
  • Hourly forecast: National Weather Service
  • Park boundaries: National Park Service
  • Elevation: USGS 3DEP
  • Kp index: NOAA SWPC
  • Charts: FAA VFR Sectional & Terminal

All public sources, read live. Not affiliated with the FAA and not an approved LAANC provider.

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