Aerial Imaging Services in Rock Island, 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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island business license. Drone operations in Rock Island parks require coordination with the Rock Island Parks Department, particularly at Sunset Park, Lincoln Park, and the Great River Trail. 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 Lock and Dam No. 15 should coordinate with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 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 approximately 8 miles east of Rock Island. Eastern sections of Rock Island may fall within the outer Class C area. Commercial drone operators should check the FAA LAANC dashboard for their specific grid square. MLI serves commercial flights for the Quad Cities bi-state metro area, and its approach corridors may affect drone operations in eastern Rock Island.
• Military: Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) Restricted Airspace / Military Operations. Rock Island Arsenal is an active U.S. Army installation occupying the 946-acre Arsenal Island in the Mississippi River, directly adjacent to Rock Island. The arsenal is the largest government-owned and operated arsenal in the United States, manufacturing military weapons and equipment. The arsenal has a military heliport (RRL) with active helicopter operations. While the arsenal does not have a formal restricted airspace area covering Rock Island, military helicopter traffic creates a safety consideration for drone operators near the riverfront. The arsenal generates significant military construction (MilCon) demand including manufacturing facilities, barracks, headquarters buildings, and infrastructure modernization. Operations near the arsenal should coordinate with the U.S. Army Garrison.
• Infrastructure: Mississippi River Bridges (Centennial Bridge, I-280 Bridge, Government Bridge). Rock Island connects to Davenport, Iowa across the Mississippi River via three bridges: the Centennial Bridge (historic through truss, opened 1940), the I-280 Bridge, and the Government Bridge (Lock and Dam 15, historic double-decker). These bridges are critical bi-state infrastructure requiring periodic structural inspection by IDOT and Iowa DOT. The Government Bridge is one of the few remaining double-decker bridges on the Mississippi, carrying rail traffic on the upper deck and road traffic on the lower. Drone-based bridge inspection creates specialized demand. Operations near the bridges must coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard, IDOT, and Iowa DOT.
• Infrastructure: Mississippi River Lock and Dam System / Levee Infrastructure. Rock Island sits adjacent to Mississippi River Lock and Dam No. 15, part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation system. The lock and dam infrastructure requires periodic aerial imaging and inspection. The Mississippi River levee system protecting the Quad Cities is maintained by the Corps of Engineers Rock Island District. The river creates flood control infrastructure demand including levee aerial imaging, scour assessment, and flood damage documentation. The Corps of Engineers Rock Island District headquarters is located on Arsenal Island, creating additional federal facility construction and maintenance demand. Drone operations near lock and dam infrastructure should coordinate with the Corps of Engineers.