Aerial Imaging Services in Rockford, 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 Rockford does not have a specific municipal drone ordinance beyond Illinois state law, but commercial drone operators conducting business within city limits must hold a valid City of Rockford business license. Drone takeoff and landing in Rockford Park District facilities requires coordination with the Rockford Park District, which manages Sinnissippi Park, Rock Cut State Park area facilities, and the Rock River Recreation Path. Operations near Rockford International Airport (RFD) require LAANC authorization through the FAA due to Class C airspace. The Illinois Drones Omnibus Act (720 ILCS 5/48) prohibits surveillance of individuals without consent and restricts drone use over private property. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million for drone aerial imaging on city-related and commercial development projects. Operations near the Rockford Air National Guard facility should check for active TFRs. Drone flights over Rockford University and Rock Valley College should coordinate with campus security.

Restricted Airspace

• Class C: Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD/KRFD) Surface Area. Rockford International Airport has Class C airspace extending approximately 5 nautical miles from the airport up to 5,000 ft MSL, with an outer area extending 10 NM. RFD is a major cargo hub for UPS Airlines and Amazon Air, handling significant freight traffic particularly overnight. The Class C airspace covers central and southern Rockford, including the downtown area and the I-90 corridor. Commercial drone operators within this airspace must obtain LAANC authorization before flight. The high volume of cargo operations creates frequent low-altitude traffic that requires careful mission planning for construction drone aerial imaging.
• Infrastructure: I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway / US-20 Bypass Corridor. The I-90 tollway runs through Rockford connecting Chicago to Madison, WI, with ongoing widening and interchange improvement projects by ISTHA. The US-20 bypass is a major east-west arterial with bridge inspection and widening projects. The I-90/I-39 interchange in southeast Rockford is a multi-phase reconstruction project requiring ongoing aerial mapping support. Drone operations near interstate highways should coordinate with IDOT and ISTHA and follow FAA guidance for critical infrastructure inspection.
• Infrastructure: Rock River Bridge Corridors. The Rock River flows through the heart of Rockford with multiple bridge structures including the US-20 bypass bridge, the Jefferson Street bridge, and the Whitman Street bridge requiring periodic inspection. The river corridor has ongoing erosion control, flood mitigation, and waterfront redevelopment projects. The Rock River Recreation Path runs along the river creating recreational corridors where drone operators should maintain safe distances from pedestrians and cyclists. The city's riverfront revitalization brings mixed-use construction demand.
• Military: Rockford Air National Guard / 182nd Airlift Wing. The 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard operates from the Rockford airport complex, flying C-130 Hercules aircraft. Military operations at RFD can create additional airspace restrictions and TFRs during training exercises and deployment activities. Commercial drone operators should check for active TFRs before each flight and coordinate with RFD tower operations when operating near the military ramp area. The Guard facility has ongoing construction projects including hangar expansion and facility modernization requiring aerial mapping.