Frequently asked
Is it safe to fly a drone in Chicago today?
The live score above pulls today's forecast and scores wind, gusts, visibility, precipitation, and temperature into a single flight verdict. 90+ is ideal. Below 60, conditions require caution or postponement. Chicago's lakefront location means sustained winds off Lake Michigan are common year-round, and the city's dense building canyons create unpredictable turbulence at low altitudes.
Where can I fly a drone in Chicago?
Chicago sits within the Class B airspace of O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW), and the entire downtown and lakefront is heavily restricted. Most of the city requires FAA authorization via LAANC before flying. Designated recreational areas exist in some forest preserves outside city limits. Always check the B4UFLY app or FAA DroneZone before flying anywhere in the metro area.
What wind speed is too high for drone flying?
Above 10–12 mph sustained, footage quality degrades. Above 20 mph or with gusts 15+ mph above sustained wind, most consumer drones are at risk. Chicago earns its "Windy City" nickname — lake-effect gusts and seasonal weather fronts can spike winds rapidly, especially in spring and fall. DroneCast's real-time scoring helps identify the calm windows worth launching in.
What is DroneCast by LightCast Suite?
DroneCast scores flight conditions using wind, gusts, precipitation, visibility, and temperature. GoldCast (same app) scores golden hour quality and timing. Free on web at
lightcastsuite.com/dronecast, full features in the
LightCast iOS app. $2.99/month after a 7-day free trial.
