Flying in chicago

kiwimartini · Dec 13, 2017

Hey guys just wondering what the rules for flying in chicago are, I heard that the city is extremely stingy about where you can fly and that parks are a no-go? I am looking for open areas where i can learn to fly my mavic and the parks would be a perfect space to fly, I am also traveling to Tampa soon and read that they don't have their own regulations so I will only have to follow the FAA's rules; am I correct? Thanks

buddb55 · Dec 14, 2017

I use 2 apps, b4ufly and hover. They will let you know if you are in a NFZ.

Just4fun48025 · Dec 14, 2017

I was in Chicago last year down by Navy Pier early in the morning. Police came over and told me to land my Mavic and put it away or they would take it and write me a $500 ticket. According to the officer its illegal to fly a drone anywhere in the city. Wasn't going to argue. But I did get an awesome video of the Ferris Wheel with the City in the background.

skadee · Apr 25, 2018

Just4fun48025 said:
I was in Chicago last year down by Navy Pier early in the morning. Police came over and told me to land my Mavic and put it away or they would take it and write me a $500 ticket. According to the officer its illegal to fly a drone anywhere in the city. Wasn't going to argue. But I did get an awesome video of the Ferris Wheel with the City in the background.

Is there any credibility to this claim of a law?

I'll be there in July and would like to do some droning.

Another thread suggested that cops were accommodating if the associated park was called for permission in advance, but I was thinking of flying around the shore line near Meigs.

skadee · Jul 7, 2018

Anything? Does anyone know about specific laws regulating drone flying in Chicago, or is it just the word on the street that the whole city is a NFZ? Hover only shows the normal stuff (game TFRs and airport areas).

jmorse62 · Jul 11, 2018

I flew at Navy Pier and had no problem, but no one was around. I can't speak to the law but I've been shut down in lots of places by people with no authority, very frustrating but I try to stay pleasant.