Aerial Imaging Services in Plainfield, 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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield business license. Drone operations in Plainfield parks require coordination with the Plainfield Park District, particularly at Four Seasons Park, Ottawa Street Pool, and the Plainfield Athletic Club fields. Operations near the DuPage River and flood control infrastructure should coordinate with Will County Stormwater Management. The village's rapid growth has led to extensive construction activity, and operators should coordinate with active construction sites for safety. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million.

Restricted Airspace

• Class E: Joliet Regional Airport (JOT) Class E Surface Area. Joliet Regional Airport has Class E airspace extending from the surface up to 14,500 ft MSL. Southern sections of Plainfield near Route 126 may fall within the northern edge of this airspace. JOT serves corporate and general aviation for the Joliet area, including flight training and charter operations. Commercial drone operators in southern Plainfield should check the LAANC dashboard for JOT grid squares. The airport generates aviation facility and infrastructure construction demand in the Joliet-Plainfield corridor.
• Class B: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Class B Outer Shelf. Plainfield sits approximately 30 miles southwest of O'Hare, placing it well outside the Class B inner core but potentially within the outermost shelves at higher altitudes. At commercial drone operating altitudes (400 ft AGL and below), most of Plainfield is likely outside Class B airspace. However, operators should verify their specific grid square on the FAA LAANC dashboard, as O'Hare departure corridors can extend into the southwest suburbs at certain altitudes. The distance from O'Hare makes Plainfield's airspace less restrictive than closer-in suburbs.
• Infrastructure: I-55 Stevenson Expressway / Route 59 Commercial Corridor. Plainfield sits along the I-55 Stevenson Expressway corridor, a major transportation route connecting the southwest suburbs to downtown Chicago. The I-55/Route 59 interchange has been a focus of ongoing infrastructure improvement projects by IDOT. The Route 59 commercial corridor through Plainfield has continuous retail, restaurant, and mixed-use development creating demand for commercial site aerial imaging. The Village has invested in downtown Plainfield revitalization along Route 126 (Lockport Street), with streetscape improvements and mixed-use development. Drone operations near highway infrastructure should coordinate with IDOT.
• Infrastructure: DuPage River Flood Control / Will County Stormwater Infrastructure. Plainfield sits at the confluence of the DuPage River's east and west branches, creating significant flood control infrastructure maintained by Will County and the DuPage River Commission. The flood control system includes levees, retention ponds, and stormwater management facilities that require periodic aerial imaging and inspection. The 2007 Plainfield tornado outbreak highlighted the need for ongoing infrastructure resilience projects. Drone operations near flood control infrastructure should coordinate with the Will County Emergency Management Agency and the DuPage River Commission.