In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Tennessee.
The accessibility of Tennessee, which is surrounded by eight other states, contributes significantly to its appeal. It is all due to the region’s breathtaking natural beauty, illustrious past, and top-notch attractions.
Then there is the music. Tennessee was the birthplace of many of America’s greatest musicians and musical genres, from the rock ‘n’ roll legacy of Elvis Presley to country giants like Johnny Cash.
With our list of the best places to fly a drone in Tennessee, you can learn about the best scenic and music-related attractions, as well as civil war sites and national landmarks.
In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in Tennessee, 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 Tennessee
The federal drone laws governing drone operations in Tennessee, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.
Federal Regulations In Tennessee
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 Tennessee
Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in Tennessee that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in Tennessee. 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 Memphis, Tennessee
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Memphis, Tennessee. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Greenbelt Park
830 Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
- Airspace Class: Class G —Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?35.168582,-90.055903,14.906940z
In Memphis, Tennessee, a sizable green area called Greenbelt Park runs along Mud Island’s western shore. The AW Willis Bridge is only a short distance away, and it offers a breathtaking perspective of the Mississippi River and its many islands.
The neighborhood is popular among residents for strolling, motorcycling, and watching the sun set. Its near proximity to downtown and spacious grounds will appeal to drone pilots.
2. Martyr’s Park
Channel 3 Dr, Memphis, TN 38103
- Airspace Class: Class G/B — Uncontrolled/Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?35.128839,-90.070590,16.975231z
Martyr’s Park is situated next to the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee. It has spectacular views of the Mississippi River and an open, grassy area. The Harahan Bridge (also known as the Big River Crossing), the Frisco Bridge, and the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge may all be viewed from the park.
More than 100,000 LED lights that can be arranged into hundreds of different combinations illuminate the crossing at night. Any drone film has an amazing backdrop due to the trains, automobiles, and people who cross the river.
3. Poplar Tree Lake
910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?35.306001,-90.062711,14.657985z
Poplar Tree Lake is situated in Millington, Tennessee’s Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The lake is surrounded by a wide variety of old trees, which gives the area a secluded appearance.
There is plenty of room to fly a drone with over 13,000 acres of woodland. Drone pilots who want to escape the hectic metropolis without traveling far can head to the lake.
4. Robert R. Church Park
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?35.138485,-90.048137,16.840182z
An eight-acre open green space known as Robert R. Church Park may be found in Memphis, Tennessee’s Beale Street National Historic Register. For a drone pilot seeking a comprehensive perspective of the Memphis skyline, this site is ideal.
The park was established in 1899 as a memorial to Robert R. Church, the city of Memphis’s first African American billionaire. This site is perfect for some amazing drone video because of the historical structures and monuments there.
5. Shelby Farms Park
6903 Great View Drive North, Memphis, TN 38134
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?35.142926,-89.828687,14.657985z
Shelby Farms is a public park located in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States, just east of the city of Memphis. At 4,500 acres (1,800 hectares), it is one of the biggest urban parks in the world and the US, covering more than five times the 843 acres (341 ha) of Central Park in New York City.
Near a major metropolitan region, lakes, natural woods, and wetlands offer many smaller species their only remaining natural habitats. The numerous trails in the park allow visitors to see wildlife in its natural habitat. A herd of bison resides in Shelby Farms Park.
Drone pilots seeking picturesque terrain will love the large property. It is significant to remember that an AMA club is located south of Hyde Lake. Please constantly be on the lookout for nearby model airplanes and drones.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Nashville, Tennessee
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Nashville, Tennessee. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Cornelia Fort Airpark
1093-, 1199 Shadow Ln, Nashville, TN 37206
- Airspace Class: Class C — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?36.190965,-86.707862,14.032837z
Cornelia Fort Airpark was a privately owned, public-use airport located five nautical miles (9 km) northeast of the central business district of Nashville, in Davidson County, Tennessee, United States.
The airpark was created in 1945, close to the farm where Cornelia Fort grew up. She was the first female pilot in American history to die while serving in the military.
On East Nashville, close to what is now referred to as McLean’s Bend in the Cumberland River, the 141-acre airport was built on a portion of a parcel of land given to early Nashvillian Ephraim McLean in exchange for his service in the Revolutionary War.
The airport was in operation from 1944 until 2011, when Nashville, Tennessee, purchased it and added it to Shelby Park as a non-aviation component.
2. Downtown Nashville
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?36.159829,-86.779014,13.032837z
Most of Nashville’s downtown is located in Class G uncontrolled airspace. It’s a fantastic site to practice urban flying; however, be aware of helicopters flying at low altitudes and follow the Davidson County regulation banning drones in several parks. View the city from a different angle by hovering above the Cumberland River. View East Nashville with the Tennessee Titans Stadium across the river.
3. Edwin Warner RC Field
2547 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?36.048845,-86.901990,14.032837z
The Edwin Warner RC Field is located behind the baseball grounds on the northwest corner of Old Hickory Boulevard and Vaughn Road. The Edwin Warner Model Aviators Club is in charge of this facility, which was not only the first model airplane field in Nashville but also one of the first in the nation. The Academy of Model Aeronautics has granted the club charter status. Click here to get a permit.
4. J. Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake, Nashville, TN 37076
- Airspace Class: Class G/Class C — Uncontrolled/Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?36.110582,-86.595722,12.032837z
J. Percy Priest Lake is a 14,200-acre reservoir located near east Nashville, with most of its downstream area in Davidson County and all of its upstream area in Rutherford County. The J. Percy Priest Reservoir is owned and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
J. Percy Priest Lake and a number of additional lakes in middle Tennessee were added to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ list of lakes authorized for drone activities back in 2016. Exploring Percy Priest Dam is a very enjoyable element. Please be aware that you must thoroughly grasp how your sUAS’s “Return to Home” capability functions if you want to launch and land from a moving boat.
5. Shelby Bottoms Railroad Bridge
1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway, Nashville, TN 37206
- Airspace Class: Class C — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://app.airmap.com/geo?36.164400,-86.725471,14.032837z
While Shelby Bottoms Greenway sits in Class C airspace and requires you to follow proper notification and/or authorization rules from the FAA, there’s a lot of open and safe airspace to enjoy a beautiful sunny day. We recommend checking out the railroad bridge that spans the Cumberland River; it’s a great place to practice shooting the freight trains that roll by.
Final Thoughts on Where To Fly A Drone In Tennessee
So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in Tennessee!
I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.
