In a normal year, the Illinois Department of Transportation's only concern during the holidays would be winter driving tips, and warnings about detours.
But this year is different. Because of their growing popularity as Christmas gifts, the department has sent out information about drones.
Linda Schumm, chief of the transportation department's Aviation Safety Bureau, says the Federal Aviation Administration estimates the number of drones sold in the U.S. will double in the final quarter of the year because of Christmas.
"Usually, we've talked to folks about buying or getting flying lessons for a Christmas present," Schumm said. "This is kind of a little bit different here. It's actually very exciting."
Since drones are considered to be aircraft, operators are considered pilots and the rules include not flying a drone more than 400 feet above the ground or within five miles of an airport.
Schumm says drone operators should always keep the drone in sight, avoid manned aircraft, and not fly a drone over large groups of people. These rules have been in effect for years for remote control model airplanes.
Schumm says the FAA announced last week that all drones must be registered, whether they're for commercial or recreational use. A task force appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner is supposed to develop rules for operating drones in Illinois by next summer.
