Carroll Reminds Residents about Safety Measures when Operating Drones

BUFFALO GROVE, Ill. – With many residents receiving drones during the holidays, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Buffalo Grove, is reminding residents of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) drone safely guidelines.

“Drones are an exciting new technology, and I encourage residents to have fun with them,” Carroll said. “But as with any technology, residents should read up on the rules before they use them.”

Commercial use of a drone requires a pilot certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA also prohibits the use of drones within five miles of an airport without notifying the airport’s operator and the air traffic control tower, so residents living near O’Hare and the Chicago Executive Airport should exercise caution. Additionally, IDOT urges residents to follow safety guidelines from community organizations, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (modelaircraft.org), to minimize safety risks to themselves and those around them. Anyone planning to use a drone for their business should consult the “drone zone” at faa.gov.

“Even small drones can pose a significant safety risk if operated carelessly,” Carroll said. “New drone pilots should learn how to fly safely to make sure they don’t pose a risk to the public when they take off.”

Residents are encouraged to visit www.idot.illinois.gov/transportation-system/safety/aviation-safety/uas for Illinois-specific drone safety rules.