Do I need Remote ID to fly my drone here?

No. This field has FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) status, which means all pilots are exempt from broadcasting Remote ID within the field boundaries. You don't need to buy or install a Remote ID module to fly here.

Drone & FPV Flying Area — FRIA Field, No Remote ID

FAA Designation

No Remote ID Required — FRIA Drone Field in Illinois

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.

FAA registration still applies for aircraft over 0.55 lbs (250g) — $5 for three years at faadronezone.faa.gov. FRIA only waives the broadcast requirement, not registration itself.

Recreational pilots must pass the TRUST test — the FAA's free online safety test required before flying recreationally. Takes about 30 minutes. AMA members can take it at trust.modelaircraft.org.

Flying commercially? Part 107 certification is required for any paid or business drone operations (real estate photography, inspections, content creation). Part 107 pilots are subject to different rules than recreational pilots — learn more at faa.gov.

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FRIA

FAA-Recognized Identification Area

No Remote ID broadcast required within field boundaries — all aircraft types.

The Drone Area

Dedicated Drone Flying Area Near Chicago

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

What Flies Here

What You Can Fly at Our Drone Field

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.

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.

Field Tour

See the Field from a Drone

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

Getting Here

Find This Drone Flying Field Near Chicago

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.

Get Directions Full Field Info

Aerial zone map of Tinley Creek RC Flying Field showing drone and FPV area location

Drone & FPV Area ★

Airplane Area

Helicopter Area

Drone Pilot FAQ

Drone & FPV Flying FAQ — Chicago Area

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.

Where can I fly drones near Chicago without Remote ID?

Our field in Matteson, IL is one of the few FAA-designated FRIA sites in the Chicago area. FRIA means you can fly any aircraft — drones, FPV quads, planes, helis — without a Remote ID broadcast module. The field is open sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year, and free to visit.

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.

Is FPV racing allowed?

Absolutely. FPV freestyle and racing are welcome. There's space for gates and obstacles in the drone area. If you're setting up a course, just coordinate with other pilots in the area. Tiny whoops to 5-inch quads — all good.

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 voting rights, 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.

Is there a separate area for drones?

Yes. The drone and FPV area is on the east side of the field, right off the road and parking lot — it's the first area you see when you pull in. It's separated from the main fixed-wing runway so you're not sharing airspace. Control line (U-control) pilots also use this area, though it's not as active as it once was.

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.

Rules & Safety

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 the designated drone area
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 before sunrise or after sunset
Flying under the influence
Non-pilots in the active flying area

🚨 In case of emergency: call 911.
19498 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443 — Cook County Forest Preserve

Ready to Fly?

Come Fly With Us

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

Get Directions Join TCRC — $35/year

Drone & FPV Flying Area — Chicago South Suburbs