Fly your model airplane or drone at designated areas throughout the Forest Preserves.

On this page:

• Model Airplane Flying Fields
• Drone Flying

---

Model Airplane Flying Fields

Model airplane flying is allowed only at these locations. Please review the Model Airplane Flying Field Regulations before flying.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Model Airplane Flying Field Regulations

• All pilots must hold and provide proof of either:
  • a current Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) membership; OR
  • a certificate of liability insurance (e.g. home owner’s insurance) naming the “Forest Preserve District of Cook County” as an additional insuree, and the insurance must have a liability limit of at least $1 million
• Flying only allowed at approved locations.
• Flying before sunrise and after sunset is prohibited.
• All pilots must use current AMA safety codes, and follow all Forest Preserves ordinances, rules and regulations.
• Flying permitted inside flight boundaries only. Flying near pits, spectators, parking lots, roadways or neighboring homes is prohibited.
• Flying or taxiing in or out of pit area is prohibited. All pilots must fly from designated flight stations.
• All planes must use noise-arresting mufflers.
• All pilots must clearly display frequency I.D. on transmitter antenna. AMA site frequency control procedures must be followed.
• All pilots must use appropriate announcement when taking off, landing or in emergency situations.
• All spectators must remain behind pit area.
• Flying by individuals under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances is prohibited.
• Violators will be subject to penalties—including, but not limited to, monetary fines, loss of flying privileges, and/or criminal prosecution.

To obtain a rental permit for a contest or demonstration at a designated model airplane flying field, please email fpd.permits@cookcountyil.gov or call 800-870-3666.

---

Drone Flying

Drone flying is allowed only at these locations. Please note additional restrictions at each location and review Drone Regulations before flying.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Drone Regulations

Drone users are subject to applicable Model Airplane Flying Field Regulations when flying drones in Flying Fields. Read the entire drone policy here (PDF).

• All pilots must hold and provide proof of either:*
  • a current Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) membership; OR
  • a certificate of liability insurance (e.g. home owner’s insurance) naming the “Forest Preserve District of Cook County” as an additional insuree, and the insurance must have a liability limit of at least $1 million
• Flying only allowed at approved locations.
• Flying before sunrise and after sunset is prohibited.
• Ensure drones are compliant with all applicable laws, ordinances, or policies, including without limitation FAA Rules and Regulations.
• Use drones in a courteous manner of others who are often present in the Forest Preserves for the quiet enjoyment of nature.
• Cease operations upon request by a member of Forest Preserves staff and/or other emergency safety related personnel.
• Refrain from operating drones in violation of privacy rights, civil rights and liberties, and transparency related federal/state/local laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures is prohibited.
• Flying by individuals under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances is prohibited.
• Violators will be subject to penalties—including, but not limited to, monetary fines, loss of flying privileges, and/or criminal prosecution.

*Pilots flying drones that weigh 0.55 pounds or less are not be subject insurance or AMA membership requirements.