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Aldermen Propose Restrictions On Flying Drones In Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two key aldermen proposed limits on the operations of drones in Chicago at Wednesday's City Council meeting, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Aldermen Edward Burke and Scott Waguespack want to ban drones from flying within five miles of a Chicago airport and they want owners to carry insurance and register the remote controlled craft.

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Waguespack, from the 32nd Ward, says there are safety and privacy concerns.

"We have a lot of people where we have seen instances where they are flying drones around schools, they are flying in people's backyards, out over the highway, out over roads and these things are crashing and to me that is no different than dropping a brick off a bridge or something," Waguespack said.

Violators could be jailed for 180 days, and fined as much as $5,000 for each incident.

Colin Hinkle, an FAA licensed drone video photographer, and also works for CBS 2, worries about how the new rules might affect shooting in his home town.

"I think it's a mix of misunderstanding what drones are and also a quick cash grab from the city," Hinkle said.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he wants to take a close look at the proposed ordinance but acknowledges the concerns.

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