Aerial Imaging Services in McHenry, 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 City of McHenry does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance beyond Illinois state law. Commercial drone operators must hold a valid City of McHenry business license. Drone operations in McHenry parks require coordination with the McHenry Parks Department, particularly at Petersen Park, Knox Park, and the McHenry Riverwalk. Operations near the Fox River and Chain O'Lakes should follow FAA guidance for operations over water and coordinate with the IDNR for operations near the McHenry Lock and Dam. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million.

Restricted Airspace

• Uncontrolled: McHenry Area Airspace. McHenry is located in far northwestern McHenry County, approximately 45 miles from O'Hare and 22 miles from the nearest Class D airport (UGN). Most of the city is in uncontrolled Class E airspace at commercial drone operating altitudes. This makes McHenry one of the most accessible areas in the Chicago metro for commercial drone operations, with minimal LAANC requirements. Operators should still verify their grid square on the FAA LAANC dashboard.
• Infrastructure: IL-120 / IL-31 / US-14 Transportation Corridor. McHenry sits at the intersection of IL-120 (Ringwood Road/Elm Street), IL-31 (Richmond Road/Front Street), and near US-14. The IL-120 corridor has ongoing road improvement projects connecting McHenry to the Chain O'Lakes area. IL-31 connects McHenry to Crystal Lake to the south and Richmond to the north. The corridors have bridge inspections on the Fox River and tributary crossings.
• Infrastructure: Fox River / Chain O'Lakes Infrastructure. McHenry sits on the Fox River at the entrance to the Chain O'Lakes. The Fox River infrastructure includes bridges, dams, and flood control structures. The McHenry Lock and Dam on the Fox River is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The Chain O'Lakes creates extensive recreational infrastructure demand. Drone operations near the Fox River should follow FAA guidance for operations over water and coordinate with the IDNR for operations near the lock and dam.
• Infrastructure: Metra UP-NW Line / Downtown McHenry. The Metra Union Pacific Northwest line terminates in McHenry at the McHenry station. The station area has transit-oriented development opportunities. The downtown area along Main Street and Green Street has ongoing commercial redevelopment and streetscape improvement projects. The rail corridor has track maintenance and grade crossing improvement projects.