If you’re wondering if it’s legal to fly a drone in NYC (spoiler: 99% of the time it’s not), what the current laws are, consequences and fines for flying a drone in NYC if you are caught and most importantly – how to fly a drone in NYC legally, read on for helpful tips.
New York Drone Laws
While most drone maps will show that (most of) New York City is ‘clear to fly in’, it’s the “CBO” or Community Based Organization that has created additional rules that prevent us from being able to easily fly drones.
Why Can’t You Fly a Drone in NYC
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the use of drones, and flying a drone in NYC is subject to the regulations of both the FAA and the city itself.
The “city itself” part is where it gets (to be honest…) annoying. I love to start with government documents, the below statement is from the “Using Drones to Conduct Facade Inspections” report:
In addition to existing federal and state regulations, New York City has specific limitations set forth in the New York City Administrative Code that prohibit aircrafts from taking off or landing from areas outside of
designated airports and heliports.
Specifically, New York City Administrative Code Section 10-126(c) states:
“Take offs and landings. It shall be unlawful for any person navigating an aircraft to take off or land, except in an emergency, at any place within the limits of the city other than places of landing designated by the department of transportation or the port of New York authority.”
– NYC Admin Code 10-126(c)
Additionally, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has additional regulations limiting use of model aviation, model boating and model automobile unless it is is in a designated areas.
This part is key because it is how you are able to legally fly a drone in NYC – by using one of the flying parks.
Read on to learn more…
Where Can You Fly Drones In NYC
If you want to legally fly a drone in NYC, you do have options! Given the above NYC drone law, there are designated areas in NYC you are allowed to fly drones.
Yes you can legally fly a drone in NYC in designated flying parks, but it sucks that.. well.. you can only fly a drone from these flying parks.
– said by every single person that wants to fly a drone in nyc
Designated drone areas in NYC
The list below are the designated areas you may fly a drone in NYC, scroll for some additional details on each.
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
- Calvert Vaux, Brooklyn
- LaTourette Park, Staten Island
- Tanner Park, Copiague
Note for some of these spots, a membership to the American Model Aircraft Association is required for entry. A “parks” access membership is around $50/year for adults.
I got this membership and flew from two of their parks – Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens and Calvert Vaux in Brooklyn. Below is more information on that.
Want to SEE this information instead of reading it? Check out the video below!
Flying Drones in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York City, has a designated area for model airplane enthusiasts to fly their model aircraft. The park features a large open field that is ideal for flying model airplanes, and it is a popular spot for hobbyists in the area. See it on google maps below…
If you want to get the scoop on what it’s like flying from Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens (the Model Airplane Field), below is a live behind the scenes video.
Flying Drones at Calvert Vaux, Brooklyn
Head out to Brooklyn where you’ll find a Model Aircraft flying field at Calvert Vaux Park. This is a public park located in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Gravesend.
Flying here requires the American Model Aircraft membership (mentioned above) to fly and the Seaview Rotary Wings club is located here. They were able to help me with some of the questions I had about getting here. Getting to the park is easy, but finding the actual flying park portion is not straight forward. If the gate is not open, it’s a bit of a walk to get in.
Once inside you’ll find a runway you can fly from. While there are some trees and shady areas, be cautious of your surroundings (there were lots of tents and homeless people in the park the day I was there).
Become a PRO at flying your drone
MASTER your drone and gain the confidence to EASILY fly!
Whether you’re just getting started, or trying to become an advanced pilot selling your drone photography and videography, consider checking out the drone courses!
Flying a Drone at LaTourette Park Model Airfield
LaTourette Park is located in the northeastern part of Staten Island and covers an area of approximately 930 acres and requires the AMA membership mentioned above.
Filmed from outside the Staten Island Ferry, this livestream video replay gives you the 2 minute scoop on what to know!
Flying a Drone at Tanner Park
Tanner Park is a park located in Copiague, New York, United States. It is situated on the south shore of Long Island (see map below).
Flying Drones from the Hudson River (on the New Jersey Side)
What about flying from the New Jersey side of the Hudson? Possibly. This is one where YOU have to make the call, but one thing to consider is the amount of air traffic happening here. Fast and low flying helicopters are EVERYWHERE in this area. I talk about my decision not to fly and why in the livestream replay (from a boat on the Hudson!) below.
This is not the fully comprehensive list. Areas like New Rochelle and Senator Speno National Park have also been reported to be drone friendly. Keep an eye on local laws as they change often.
Fines for Flying a Drone in NYC
The current consequences for flying a drone in NYC are up to a $1,000 fine or 15 days in jail.
Does this mean it’s guaranteed going to happen to you? No.
(Nothing is guaranteed in life just like that drone battery states it lasts “34 minutes” and totally got ya about 18 minutes of flight time last you blasted it. So annoying.)
Bottom Line
An old and outdated law in New York City (Administrative Code Section 10-126(c)) prevents us from being able to fly a drone in NYC. However, while most areas of the city are off limits, there are a handful of allowed places to fly. These are mainly within Model Airfields at designated parks and require a membership to the American Model Aircraft Association.
Wow, one more reason NYC sucks.
Not really!!!! I value my privacy, and don’t want people flying drones over my property!! So, thanks NYC, you rock!!!👍
🤘🏽
Agreed pretty dumb law
Also dunno why some ppl are worried about their privacy. You act like somebody actually wanna stalk you lmao get real.
The HOVER X-1 Drone Camera weighs 125 grams (at less than 1 pound, it is substantially below the federal government’s definition of a regulated drone of 80+ pounds) and has a maximum radius of travel of 80 feet. I assume this camera is outside federal, state and local regulations and, hence, can be used by amateur photographers with impunity, right?
Well, technically anything less than 250 grams is considered a ‘toy’… but a drone is a drone and can still have regulations around it..
I’m curious if there is any more information if the HoverAir X1 is usable in NYC, and if there is anywhere in the statutes that define what a drone is. Thanks!
Ooh this is a very specific case! If someone else in these comments knows – please add a response!
Just as a quick aside, Copiague is not within NYC, it’s actually 2 counties over, past Nassau County and in Suffolk County.
There are 4 designated “Model Aircraft Fields” in NYC,
Manhattan and the BRONX have none.
Queens has two and the location in Forest Park was not mentioned.
Thanks for taking the time to add this!
What about FPV 10” drones, weight of 2pounds? Can we fly those in areas you mentioned?