Aerial Imaging Services in Moline, 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 Moline does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance beyond Illinois state law. Commercial drone operators conducting business within city limits must hold a valid City of Moline business license. Drone operations in Moline parks require coordination with the Moline Parks Department, particularly at Riverside Park, Ben Butterworth Parkway, and the Moline riverfront. Operations near Rock Island Arsenal must coordinate with the U.S. Army Garrison and check for active military airspace restrictions. Drone operations near the Mississippi River bridges must coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard, IDOT, and Iowa DOT. Operations near John Deere corporate facilities should coordinate with corporate security. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million.

Restricted Airspace

• Class C: Quad City International Airport (MLI) Class C Airspace. Quad City International Airport has Class C airspace extending approximately 5 nautical miles from the airport up to 4,000 ft MSL, with an outer area extending 10 nm. MLI is located just 3 miles south of downtown Moline, meaning most of the city falls within Class C airspace. The airport serves commercial flights (American, United, Allegiant) and cargo operations for the Quad Cities bi-state metropolitan area. Commercial drone operators in Moline must obtain LAANC authorization before every flight. MLI approach and departure corridors create dynamic altitude restrictions that vary with active runway configurations. The airport generates aviation facility construction demand including terminal, hangar, and runway projects.
• Military: Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) Restricted Airspace. Rock Island Arsenal is an active U.S. Army installation on Arsenal Island in the Mississippi River, approximately 5 miles southwest of Moline. The arsenal manufactures military weapons and equipment and has restricted airspace. While the restricted area does not directly cover Moline, military helicopter traffic from the arsenal heliport (RRL) can affect operations near the riverfront. The arsenal is the largest government-owned and operated arsenal in the United States and generates significant military construction demand including manufacturing facilities, barracks, and infrastructure modernization. Drone operators near the Mississippi River bridges should check for active military helicopter traffic.
• Infrastructure: Mississippi River Bridges (I-74, I-280, Centennial Bridge). Moline connects to Davenport, Iowa across the Mississippi River via three bridges: the I-74 Bridge (twin spans, new span completed 2021), the I-280 Bridge, and the Centennial Bridge (historic through truss bridge). The new I-74 Bridge was a $1.2 billion construction project and represents one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Quad Cities. The bridges require periodic structural inspection by IDOT and Iowa DOT, creating demand for drone-based bridge inspection. Drone operations near the bridges must coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard and both state DOTs.
• Infrastructure: John Deere Corporate Campus / Mississippi River Industrial Corridor. Moline is the world headquarters of John Deere, with the John Deere Corporate Campus and John Deere Pavilion in downtown. The Deere & Company corporate campus along the Mississippi River has ongoing facility renovation, office construction, and technology center development. The Quad Cities industrial corridor along the Mississippi River includes manufacturing facilities, foundries, and metalworking plants. The riverfront industrial zone has ongoing facility construction and environmental remediation projects. Drone operations near corporate and industrial facilities should coordinate with facility management.