Aerial Imaging Services in Romeoville, 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 Romeoville 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 Romeoville business license. Drone operations in Romeoville parks require coordination with the Romeoville Parks Department, particularly at Conservation Park, Deer Pass Golf Course, and the Romeoville Recreation Department facilities. Operations near the extensive warehouse and distribution facilities should coordinate with facility security. The village's position in the logistics corridor means many industrial facilities have security protocols that drone operators should respect. Commercial operators should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million, particularly for warehouse roof inspection projects.

Restricted Airspace

• Class C: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Class C Airspace. Midway Class C airspace extends approximately 5 nautical miles from the airport up to 4,000 ft MSL, with an outer area extending 10 nm. Northern sections of Romeoville may fall within the southern edge of Midway's outer Class C area. Romeoville sits approximately 15 miles southwest of Midway. Commercial drone operators in northern sections should check the FAA LAANC dashboard for Midway grid squares. Midway handles commercial traffic including Southwest Airlines, creating busy approach and departure corridors that may affect drone operations.
• 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. Southwestern sections of Romeoville near Joliet may fall within the northeastern edge of this airspace. JOT serves corporate and general aviation for the Joliet area. Commercial drone operators in southwestern Romeoville should check the LAANC dashboard for JOT grid squares. The airport's proximity to Romeoville creates aviation-related construction demand in the corridor.
• Infrastructure: I-55 Stevenson Expressway / I-355 Veterans Memorial Tollway Interchange. Romeoville sits at the intersection of I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) and I-355 (Veterans Memorial Tollway), creating one of the most important logistics and transportation nodes in the southwest suburbs. The I-55/I-355 interchange has ongoing bridge inspection, pavement rehabilitation, and interchange improvement projects managed by IDOT and ISTHA. The tollway corridors connect Romeoville to Joliet, Bolingbrook, and the broader Chicago metro expressway system. The interchanges generate continuous infrastructure aerial imaging demand.
• Infrastructure: Will County Logistics Corridor / Sanitary District Infrastructure. Romeoville is a major hub in the Will County logistics corridor, with extensive warehouse and distribution center construction driven by e-commerce. The village hosts major distribution facilities including Amazon, FedEx, and ULTA distribution centers. The Romeoville Sanitary District manages wastewater infrastructure for the growing industrial and residential base, requiring periodic aerial imaging and inspection. The Des Plaines River corridor through western Romeoville has flood control infrastructure maintained by Will County. Drone operations near industrial facilities and flood control infrastructure should coordinate with facility management and Will County.