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Drone & FPV Flying Area — Chicago South Suburbs

FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) — no Remote ID broadcast required, up to 700 feet AGL (above ground level). Free, open to drone, FPV, and camera pilots. South of Chicago in Matteson, Illinois.

Get Directions See the Zone Map
FRIA Designated FPV Welcome No Remote ID Required
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New here? Stay in the drone & U-control area.
This is a shared field. Fly drones, FPV, and U-control craft only in the marked drone/U-control zone — do not fly into or over the airplane or helicopter areas or their pits. Not sure where to go? Check the zone map below.

No Remote ID Required Within Field Boundaries

This field holds FRIA — FAA-Recognized Identification Area status. All pilots flying within the field boundaries — drone, FPV, fixed-wing, or helicopter — are exempt from the Remote ID broadcast requirement.

Most public flying spots require RC aircraft to continuously broadcast Remote ID. At this field, that requirement is waived — you can fly without a Remote ID module as long as you stay within the field boundaries. The field also has an altitude authorization up to 700 feet AGL (above ground level) — well above the standard 400-foot recreational limit.

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FRIA
FAA-Recognized Identification Area
No Remote ID broadcast required within field boundaries — all aircraft types.

A Dedicated Area for Drones & FPV

The east side of Tinley Creek Flying Field has a dedicated area for drone and FPV pilots, separated from the main runway so you're not sharing airspace with fixed-wing and helicopter traffic.

The area has open grass, concrete pads (leftover from when this was the helicopter area — drone pilots use them as launch pads), and room for racing gates or freestyle flying. Whether you're flying a DJI Mini, a freestyle 5-inch quad, or a tiny whoop, this is the spot.

  • Dedicated multi-rotor area separated from the main runway
  • Open grass and concrete pads for takeoff/landing
  • Space for gates, obstacles, and freestyle lines
  • All skill levels — first-time flyers to experienced racers
FPV racing quad sitting in the grass at Tinley Creek RC flying field drone area
FPV racing quad in flight at Tinley Creek RC flying field Matteson IL FPV racing drone silhouette flying at sunset over RC flying field
Filming tip: The field sits in a Cook County forest preserve, and deer regularly pass through at dawn and dusk. On summer mornings when conditions are right, low fog rolls across the grass — incredible for cinematic FPV footage. If you're a content creator, early mornings here are worth the trip.

Getting Here

Tinley Creek Model Airplane Flying Field
19498 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Cook County Forest Preserve

Open sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Free.

Pull into the lot off S Cicero Ave. The drone area is the first field on your left as you enter — right off the parking lot.

Aerial zone map of Tinley Creek RC Flying Field showing drone and FPV area location AIRPLANE AREA HELICOPTER U-CONTROL & MULTI-ROTOR FLYING AREA (DRONES) ★ N
Drone & FPV Area ★
Airplane Area
Helicopter Area

What You Can Fly

The drone area accommodates everything from camera drones to racing quads. Here's what we see regularly.

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FPV Freestyle & Racing

5-inch freestyle quads, racing drones, tiny whoops. Goggles on, rip it. Room for lines, gates, and freestyle — this is the spot for FPV in the south suburbs.

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Camera Drones

DJI Mini, Air, Mavic, Avata — whatever you've got. Great for practice flights, getting comfortable with your aircraft, or just flying for fun in a legal, open space.

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Builds & Custom Rigs

Testing a new build? Tuning a Betaflight (flight controller software) setup? The field is the place to maiden and dial in your aircraft without worrying about people, cars, or trees. Control line (U-control) pilots are welcome here too.

See the Field from a Drone

Drone flythrough of the full field — runway, helicopter area, drone area, and the surrounding forest preserve.

Drone Area Guidelines

The field is managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. These rules apply to all pilots — fixed-wing, helicopter, and drone alike.

All Pilots Must

  • Hold current AMA membership or equivalent insurance
  • Pass the FAA TRUST test (recreational pilots)
  • Register with the FAA if aircraft is over 250g ($5 for 3 years)
  • Fly during daylight only — sunrise to sunset
  • Stay within your assigned area — drone, FPV, and U-control pilots keep inside the marked drone/U-control zone and do not drift into the airplane or helicopter areas
  • Stay below 700 feet AGL (field authorization)
  • FPV pilots: maintain a visual observer (spotter) at all times
  • Use a LiPo-safe bag when charging batteries at the field
  • Follow all AMA safety codes

Not Permitted

  • Flying over pits, spectators, parking lot, or homes
  • Flying into the airplane or helicopter areas, or over their pits or runway
  • Flying before sunrise or after sunset
  • Flying under the influence
  • Non-pilots in the active flying area
📍 Stay in your assigned area. This field is shared. Drone, FPV, and U-control pilots must keep their aircraft inside the marked drone/U-control area — do not fly down to the airplane or helicopter pits or across their flight zones. Check the zone map above if you're unsure where your area is.
🚨 In case of emergency: call 911.
19498 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443 — Cook County Forest Preserve

Drone & FPV FAQ

New to the field or wondering if this is the right spot for your quad? Here are the answers.

Do I need Remote ID to fly here?
No. This field has FRIA status — all pilots are exempt from the Remote ID broadcast requirement within field boundaries. FAA registration still applies for aircraft over 250g.
Do I still need to register my drone with the FAA?
Yes. FRIA only waives the Remote ID broadcast requirement — not registration. Any aircraft over 0.55 lbs (250g) needs FAA registration ($5 for three years) at faadronezone.faa.gov.
Do I need AMA membership to fly my drone here?
The Forest Preserves requires AMA membership or a certificate of insurance naming the Forest Preserves as additional insured. An adult AMA membership is currently $89/year and includes liability insurance — check modelaircraft.org for current pricing. You'll also need to pass the free TRUST test.
Can I fly my DJI / camera drone here?
Yes. DJI Mini, Air, Mavic, Avata — all welcome. The drone area is a great place to fly camera drones without worrying about people, cars, or restricted airspace. Just stay within the designated drone area and follow the standard rules.
Do I have to join the club to fly?
No. The field is a public Cook County Forest Preserve — anyone can fly here. Club membership ($35/year) gives you event access and a community of pilots, but it's not required to use the field. Learn more about joining.
What are the hours?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. No night flying — it's a Forest Preserve rule. No reservations needed, no admission fee. Just show up and fly.
I'm brand new — is this a good place to learn?
Great place to learn. Open grass, no obstacles, no people to worry about. The pilots at the field are generally friendly and happy to help. If you're interested in formal instruction, reach out to the club — we can connect you with experienced drone pilots.
Do I need a TRUST certificate?
Yes. The FAA requires all recreational drone and RC pilots to pass TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) before flying. It's free, takes about 30 minutes, and you keep the certificate permanently. AMA members can take it at trust.modelaircraft.org.
Can I fly commercially or for my business here?
Yes, but commercial drone operations (real estate photos, paid video, inspections) require a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA — not just TRUST. Part 107 pilots are subject to different regulations than recreational pilots. The field itself is open to both. Study info and testing at faa.gov.
How high can I fly?
This field has an altitude authorization up to 700 feet AGL — higher than the standard 400-foot recreational limit. Stay within the field boundaries and below 700 feet. The field is in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, so no LAANC authorization is needed.
Do I need a spotter for FPV?
Yes. FAA rules require FPV pilots flying with goggles to have a visual observer (spotter) who can see the aircraft at all times and communicate with the pilot. Bring a buddy or ask someone at the field — most pilots are happy to spot for you.
Can I charge batteries at the field?
Yes — bring your own charger and a portable power source (car battery, power station). Always charge in a LiPo-safe bag and don't leave batteries charging unattended. If a pack is puffed or damaged, don't charge it — dispose of it safely.

Come Fly With Us

The field is free and open to all pilots. Club members get event access and a crew that's out there flying most weekends. Only $35/year.

Get Directions Join TCRC — $35/year