Can You Fly a Drone on Staten Island, NYC?

Staten Island’s Unique Position

Staten Island has a more suburban and open character than the other four boroughs, with larger green spaces and lower population density. However, all of NYC’s drone regulations apply in full on Staten Island, including NYC Administrative Code § 10-126 and the NYPD permit system under 38 RCNY Chapter 24.

LaTourette Park: Designated Model Aircraft Field

Staten Island is home to one of NYC’s five designated model aircraft fields: the field at LaTourette Park & Golf Course, located near Marsh Avenue off Richmond Avenue. Under 38 RCNY § 24-02(b)(1), flying at this designated field is exempt from the NYPD permit requirement.

At LaTourette’s designated field, you still need to comply with all FAA requirements:

• FAA Part 107 (commercial) or TRUST (recreational)
• LAANC authorization for the specific grid ceiling
• Remote ID broadcast per 14 CFR Part 89
• Any posted site rules by NYC Parks

Other Parks Are Off-Limits

All other NYC Parks property on Staten Island is subject to the drone ban under § 18-146. This includes major parks such as:

• Freshkills Park — the former landfill being converted to parkland
• Clove Lakes Park
• Conference House Park
• Wolfe’s Pond Park
• Willowbrook Park

Airspace Over Staten Island

Staten Island’s airspace is influenced by Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to the west and JFK to the east. The LAANC grid ceilings vary across the island—some areas may have higher ceilings than Manhattan or inner Queens, but controlled airspace authorization is still required. Always check the specific ceiling at your planned location using B4UFLY.

Flying Outside of Parks

For non-park locations on Staten Island (with property owner permission), you can apply for an NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit at nyc.gov/dronepermits. The standard requirements apply: Part 107, $150 fee, 30-day lead time, and $2M/$4M insurance.