Who we are

Welcome to my website! I'm Charles Maloney, a seasoned professional in roofing, construction, and drone photography. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. From capturing stunning aerial imagery to ensuring site safety, I offer comprehensive services tailored to your needs.

About Northern IL Drone

Welcome to Northern IL Drone, your trusted aerial and media services partner based in Mount Prospect, Illinois, proudly serving the Chicagoland area and Northern Illinois.
Founded and operated by Charles Maloney, a professional with more than 50 years of experience in construction, roofing, and photography, Northern IL Drone delivers state‑of‑the‑art drone imagery, inspection services, and creative content production.
Our expertise spans a wide range of services — from roof inspections and construction documentation to aerial photography, marketing visuals, and drone‑based video content.We also provide voice‑overs, video advertisements, and spirited music and pet rescue videos, combining creative storytelling with technical precision to produce content that truly connects.
At Northern IL Drone, safety, compliance, and artistry go hand in hand. We operate under FAA‑licensed standards, ensuring professional results every time — whether you need thermal imaging for a complex roof analysis or cinematic shots that bring your story to life.
Based in Mount Prospect, we proudly serve local homeowners, contractors, musicians, rescue organizations, and small businesses looking to capture their message from a higher perspective.
Let Northern IL Drone turn your vision into powerful visual reality — safely, efficiently, and beautifully.

Our strengths

1200+

Successful Flights Proven experience across inspections, real‑estate imaging, creative shoots, and rescue support.

4K & Thermal  Imaging  Technology

Drones equipped for precision roof analysis, search, and cinematic production.

7 years

of Drone Operations Hands‑on aerial experience backed by more than 50 years in construction and safety.

Fast Turnaround & Detailed  Results

Same‑day previews available in most projects, with expertly edited visuals.

Why choose Northern IL Drone

  • Comprehensive Expertise — From roofs to rescue, we deliver results built on decades of field knowledge.
  • Safety First — Fully FAA‑licensed operations with proper flight planning and insurance coverage.
  • Personalized Service — Local and responsive, based in Mount Prospect, IL, serving all of Chicagoland.
  • Creative Capability — Complete in‑house production for advertising videos, music videos, and voice‑overs.
  • Proven Results — Trusted by local contractors, homeowners, and businesses for dependable aerial perspectives.
Get in touch
In the NewsPeterson Roofing’s Chuck Maloney Talks AI and Drones in Roofing on WREX NewsPublished November 6, 2025 · NBC Rockford · 3.5 min read
Local NBC affiliate WREX 13 News profiled Peterson Roofing and Northern IL Drone in its “AI in the Workforce” segment, highlighting how artificial intelligence and drone technology are changing the way roofing inspections are performed across Northern Illinois.
During the interview, Chuck Maloney, FAA‑certified drone pilot and project leader at Peterson Roofing, discussed how drones and AI tools provide safer, faster, and more accurate roof assessments. The segment showcased real‑world examples of how these innovations help crews minimize risk, improve documentation, and boost efficiency.
“AI isn’t replacing the human element — it’s enhancing it,” Chuck explained. “We’re making better, safer decisions faster than ever before.”