Chicago council committee approves drone regulations
CHICAGO (AP) -- A committee has advanced regulations for the piloting of drones in Chicago, including no-fly zones around both of the city's airports.
The City Council Aviation Committee approved the rules on Thursday. The proposal will head to the full City Council later this month.
Alderman Scott Waguespack says the number of small devices being flown, many with attached cameras, is growing and city officials should regulate certain aspects.
The proposed rules prohibit where the drones can fly, including a no-fly zone of 5 miles around both O'Hare and Midway international airports. The devices are also prohibited from being piloted over schools, hospitals, churches, near electric generation facilities or other property not owned by the drone operator.
Violators could face fines of $500 to $5,000 and possible jail time.