In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in New York.
Undoubtedly the most visited tourist destination in the state, New York City is home to several well-known landmarks, eateries, and retail establishments. Many of the biggest attractions in the city, including Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and many more, are located in the borough of Manhattan.
There are several vacation options available all year long in upstate New York, as locals refer to pretty much anywhere north of the city. The primary attractions of New York during the summer are its numerous lakes and mountains, as well as its attractive tiny villages.
In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in New York, 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.
Drone Regulations In New York
The federal drone laws governing drone operations in New York, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.
Federal Regulations In New York
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 New York
Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in New York that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in New York. 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 Buffalo, New York
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Buffalo, New York. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Delaware Park
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?42.935275,-78.864964,14.936813z
The Delaware Park-Front Park System is a historic park system and also a national historic district in the northern and western parts of Buffalo, in Erie County, New York. Between 1868 and 1876, the park system was created under the direction of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux pictured a gorgeous scene with a lake, a sloping grassland, and old-growth trees. This is the ideal place for drone pilots who are seeking a diversified atmosphere.
2. Lafayette Square
415 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?42.885655,-78.874034,17.232375z
Lafayette Square (formerly Court House Park or Courthouse Square) is a park named after General Lafayette, who visited Buffalo in 1825. It is located in the center of downtown Buffalo, Erie County, New York, United States, and hosts a Civil War monument. It’s also surrounded by the city’s tallest buildings.
The magnificent Art Deco structure, one of the biggest municipal halls in the nation, is unquestionably a masterpiece. It not only laid the groundwork for Buffalo, but its magnificent design had an impact on the architecture of nearby structures. Drone operators will like the assortment of old structures in the area.
3. Lasalle Park
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?42.885826,-78.895304,14.975332z
LaSalle Park is Buffalo’s largest seaside park, and it’s situated where Lake Erie and the mouth of the Niagara River meet. LaSalle Park is very well-liked by walkers, runners, and cyclists since it has several sports fields, paved walkways, open meadows, and an off-leash dog area.
The historic Colonel Francis G. Ward Pumping Station, a massive five-story structure built in the early 1900s, is located on the northern side of LaSalle Park. Several electric pumps that bring water to Buffalo and the adjacent areas are housed at the station. Drone pilots may get some amazing point-of-interest footage of the stunning, huge red brick building and its massive smoke stack.
4. Red Jacket Riverfront Park
20 Smith St, Buffalo, NY 14210
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?42.860326,-78.854315,15.834611z
Red Jacket Riverfront Park is located along the Buffalo River in Buffalo, New York. Over the past several years, the riverside has been given new vitality. It is one of the sites that has been cleaned up and transformed into a green space so that tourists may engage in various forms of leisure.
Both the enormous abandoned Concrete Central building and the Cargill Grain Elevator structure can be seen well from the park. This site is perfect for drone pilots seeking industrial-themed videos.
5. Unity Island Park
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?42.931722,-78.906796,15.452296z
Unity Island is a 160-acre (0.65 km2) island dividing the Niagara River from the Black Rock Canal within the boundaries of Buffalo, New York. Two public parks and a water treatment plant are located on the historic island. A two-span swing bridge links it to the mainland.
Trains passing from one nation to another may be seen through the International Railroad Bridge in a variety of interesting ways. It’s vital to remember that Canadian airspace begins just off the island’s western coast. Please always be aware of your surroundings when flying, and never enter Canadian airspace.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In New York City, New York
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in New York City, New York. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Calvert Vaux Park AMA Field
Bay 44th St. & Hunter Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?40.584854,-73.994934,13.724644z
Calvert Vaux Park is an 85.53-acre (34.61 ha) public park in Gravesend, Brooklyn, in New York City. It is an AMA members-only park operated by the Seaview Rotary Wings RC flying club and composed of several disconnected sections along the Belt Parkway between Bay 44th and Bay 49th Streets.
For many, the membership fee is justified by having access to a park with other remote pilots who are concerned with safety. Flying a model airplane or remote-control drone on open terrain is ideal.
2. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Flying Field
Meadow Lake Dr, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- Airspace Class: Class B — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?40.746800,-73.843600,16.000000z
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is an 897-acre (363 ha) public park in the northern part of Queens, New York City. It is bounded by Grand Central Parkway on the west, I-678 (Van Wyck Expressway) on the east, Union Turnpike on the south, and Flushing Bay on the north.
It has many leisure facilities, such as a field for model airplanes. The approved flying field in Flushing Meadows is close to Meadow Lake and the Van Wyck Expressway. It’s a lovely location for taking aerial pictures and videos of the lake and its surroundings.
3. Latourette Park Model Airfield
299 Alaska Pl, Staten Island, NY 10306
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?40.571621,-74.165514,16.394081z
LaTourette Park Model Airfield is located on Staten Island, just outside of New York City. The property has a good, wide field that is surrounded by stunning marshland that seems amazing from the air. The large area and flying with other drone enthusiasts will appeal to drone pilots.
4. Senator Speno Memorial Park
745 E Meadow Ave, East Meadow, NY 11554
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?40.707721,-73.549460,16.000000z
Senator Speno Memorial Park is an awesome location for aerial photography. The park has a lot of open, grassy spaces and free parking. With a baseball field, a soccer field, handball courts, and basketball courts, it is a well-liked location for sporting events.
5. Tanner Park
400 Baylawn Ave, Copiague, NY 11726
- Airspace Class: Class D — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?40.680000,-73.400000,12.988503z
Tanner Park is a park located on Long Island’s Great South Bay and home to many different athletic fields and other forms of amusement. This park is owned and maintained by the Town of Babylon.
Baseball, football, lacrosse, softball, and soccer grounds, as well as basketball and tennis facilities, are located inside the park. Residents of the Town of Babylon are only permitted to utilize certain portions of the beach. However, everyone is welcome at Bay Beach.
Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In New York
So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in New York!
I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of New York 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 New York 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.
