In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Kentucky.
With a diversified terrain and cultural heritage, Kentucky, commonly known as the Bluegrass state, has attractions for everyone. Most people know it as the location of the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in May close to Louisville, the state’s largest city and the site of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat’s invention.
Additionally, Kentucky is a great location for a weekend trip, possibly in a cozy cabin among the Appalachian Mountains or another of the state’s well-liked resort areas. Our list of the top tourist attractions in Kentucky will help you find some of the greatest locations to visit.
In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in Kentucky, as well as where it is permitted and not permitted by the law to fly a drone. I will also offer regulatory guidance to assist you in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Regulations In Kentucky
The federal drone laws governing drone operations in Kentucky, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.
Federal Regulations In Kentucky
Recreational drone pilots are subject to the FAA rules for recreational flyers, which require them to register their drones if they weigh more than 250 g and complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before they can operate their drone for recreational purposes in the United States of America.
Commercial drone pilots are subject to FAA rules for commercial pilots, which require them to follow The Part 107 regulations, complete a multiple-choice exam, and earn a drone pilot certification from the FAA before they can operate their drone for commercial purposes in the United States of America.
When flying within five miles of an airport, drone pilots are no longer needed to independently contact air traffic control. Instead, to obtain airspace authorization to fly in regulated airspace near and above numerous airports, both commercial and leisure fliers can use the automated LAANC system. You must apply for airspace authorization if you are operating in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace. In areas where LAANC is not available, you can use the FAA Drone Zone or LAANC.
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
State and Local Regulations In Kentucky
Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in Kentucky that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in Kentucky. You should always exercise sound judgment when in doubt and adhere to the FAA’s regulations.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and is solely provided for informative reasons. If there is anything we missed or if you have any further questions, please contact us at info [at] droneller [dot] com, and we will do our best to assist you.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Louisville, Kentucky
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Louisville, Kentucky. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge
38.263120, -85.753799
The George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, sometimes referred to as the Second Street Bridge, is a four-lane cantilevered truss bridge that carries US 31 across the Ohio River. It’s located between Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana,
By launching from either side of the river, you may easily get stunning drone images of this bridge. The city skyline’s reflection in the river at night provides countless chances to frame your aerial photographs.
2. Jefferson Memorial Forest
11311 Mitchell Hill Rd, Fairdale, KY 40118, United States
The Jefferson Memorial Forest is a forest located in the Knobs area of Kentucky, southwest of Louisville, Kentucky. It is the largest municipal urban forest in the United States at 6,500 acres (26 km2).
The National Audubon Society dedicated the Jefferson Memorial Forest as a wildlife sanctuary in honor of Kentucky’s soldiers.
Drone camera operators are particularly attracted to Jefferson Memorial Park. Beautiful views of the tranquil lake, streams, tall, old oak trees, and trails that climb steep hills are all there.
3. Long Run Park
Long Run Park Rd, Louisville, KY 40245, United States
Long Run Park is located off Flat Rock Road or Long Run Road in Louisville, Kentucky, near Long Run Golf Course. The park has a sizable lake, many picnic spots with BBQ pits, plenty of parking, and a boat ramp that is accessible to non-gas boats.
Drones are prohibited from taking off or landing in public parks in Louisville. You have the option of using your drone outside of the park on private land and searching for excellent photo locations.
4. Riverview Park
8202 Greenwood Rd, Louisville, KY 40258, United States
River View Park is located on the banks of the scenic Kentucky River. This park has picnic spots, a walking/biking track, and a picturesque riverfront picnic location off Wilkinson Blvd.
Although it is forbidden to fly a drone from a park, you have the choice of either taking off from a piece of private land just outside the park or using the Indiana side of the Ohio River.
5. Shawnee Park
4501 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40211, United States
Shawnee Park is one of three major destination flagship parks within Louisville Metro’s famed system of parks and parkways designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed 18 of the city’s 123 public parks.
Drones are prohibited from taking off or landing in public parks in Louisville. However, you have the option of using your drone outside of the park on private land and searching for excellent photo locations.
6. Tom Sawyer State Park
3000 Freys Hill Rd, Louisville, KY 40241, United States
Tom Sawyer State Park is a 550-acre (220 ha) [2] Kentucky state park situated on the former grounds of Kentucky’s Central State Hospital in the Freys Hill neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky.
The River City Radio Controllers Club (RCRC) operates a specialized RC flying field in Tom Sawyer State Park. To fly in this field, pilots must be active AMA members.
You must become a member of the RCRC if you want regular access. When the front gate is open, spectators are always welcome.
7. Waterfront Park
129 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
Louisville Waterfront Park is a non-profit corporation that also operates an 85-acre (340,000 m2) public park next to Louisville, Kentucky’s downtown, and the Ohio River. It is specifically next to Riverfront Plaza/Belvedere and Louisville’s Pier, which are located to the west of the park.
This area is vibrant. Drone users have countless chances to get some fantastic footage of the lush surroundings, different buildings, passing ships, and city vistas.
Drones may not take off or land in public parks in Louisville. To avoid legal problems, you might choose to operate your drone from the Indiana side of the Ohio River.
Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In Kentucky
So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in Kentucky!
I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of Kentucky from above. You can also check out where to fly a drone in other states and cities in the United States.
Always remember to obey the federal, state, and local drone laws in Kentucky to avoid having issues with the law and authorities.
And don’t forget to share this article with a friend and other drone pilots who will benefit from this information using the share icons below.
