Aerial Imaging Services in Deerfield, IL

FAA Part 107 Requirements

All commercial drone operations in Illinois require the pilot to hold an active FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Our network operators are verified Part 107 holders.

State Drone Laws

Illinois regulates commercial drone operations primarily through the Drones Omnibus Act (720 ILCS 5/48-1 through 48-5), enacted as Public Act 99-0566 and effective January 1, 2017. The Act prohibits using drones for surveillance of individuals without consent, restricts law enforcement drone use without a warrant, and bans drone harassment. Commercial drone operators in Illinois must hold a valid FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and comply with all federal regulations including LAANC authorization for controlled airspace. Illinois does not require a separate state-level drone license or registration beyond FAA requirements. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Aeronautics provides regulatory guidance and coordinates with the FAA on airspace matters. Illinois has state preemption language limiting local municipalities from enacting drone regulations that conflict with state or federal law, though Chicago maintains its own drone ordinance under the Chicago Municipal Code (10-36-070) requiring registration with the city for commercial operations within city limits. Operators near military installations (Naval Station Great Lakes, Scott Air Force Base, Rock Island Arsenal) must coordinate with base operations and check for active TFRs. The FAA controls all airspace above 400 feet AGL. The Chicago metropolitan area has extensive Class B (O'Hare) and Class C (Midway) airspace requiring LAANC authorization for most urban drone operations.

Local Ordinances

The Village of Deerfield does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance beyond Illinois state law. Commercial drone operators conducting business within village limits must hold a valid Village of Deerfield business license. Drone operations in Deerfield parks require coordination with the Deerfield Park District, particularly at Jewett Park, Mitchell Park, and the Deerfield Golf Club. Operations near pharmaceutical corporate campuses should coordinate with corporate security. The close proximity to Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) Class D airspace means virtually all commercial drone operations in Deerfield require LAANC authorization. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million, particularly for corporate campus and pharmaceutical facility projects.

Restricted Airspace

• Class D: Chicago Executive Airport/Wheeling (PWK) Class D Airspace. Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in neighboring Wheeling has Class D airspace extending approximately 4 nautical miles from the airport up to 2,500 ft AGL. Most of Deerfield falls within the northern edge of this airspace, as the village is only 3 miles from PWK. The airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Illinois, handling corporate jets, charter operations, and flight training. Commercial drone operators in Deerfield must obtain LAANC authorization before every flight and should monitor the PWK CTAF frequency. The close proximity to PWK creates one of the most restrictive airspace environments in the North Shore suburbs.
• Class B: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Class B Outer Shelf. Deerfield sits approximately 14 miles north of O'Hare, placing it near the outer rings of O'Hare Class B airspace. At commercial drone operating altitudes (400 ft AGL and below), most of Deerfield may be outside Class B. However, O'Hare departure corridors, particularly from Runway 10/28, can create altitude restrictions in the area. Operators should verify their specific grid square on the FAA LAANC dashboard. The combined PWK Class D and O'Hare Class B proximity creates layered airspace complexity.
• Infrastructure: I-94 Edens Expressway / I-294 Tri-State Tollway Corridor. Deerfield sits between the I-94 Edens Expressway to the east and I-294 Tri-State Tollway to the west. Both corridors are maintained by IDOT and ISTHA with continuous bridge inspection, pavement rehabilitation, and interchange improvement projects. The Lake-Cook Road corridor connecting Deerfield to Northbrook and Wheeling is a major commercial and corporate corridor. The I-94/I-294 interchange (Edens Spur) is a critical infrastructure node. The Metra Milwaukee District North line runs through Deerfield, creating transit-oriented development and rail infrastructure projects.
• Infrastructure: Pharma Corporate Campus Corridor (Baxter, Takeda, Astellas). Deerfield is a major pharmaceutical corporate campus hub, hosting Baxter International headquarters, Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S. headquarters, and Astellas Pharma U.S. headquarters. The corporate campuses along Lake-Cook Road and Deerfield Road have ongoing facility renovation, laboratory construction, and campus expansion projects. Pharmaceutical facility construction requires specialized aerial imaging including environmental monitoring, laboratory space documentation, and campus infrastructure assessment. Drone operations near corporate facilities should coordinate with corporate security and facilities management.