Calvert Vaux Park Model Aircraft Field: What to Know

About the Calvert Vaux Park Model Aircraft Field

Calvert Vaux Park, formerly known as Dreier-Offerman Park, is located in the Gravesend/Bensonhurst area of southern Brooklyn along the Gravesend Bay waterfront. The park contains one of NYC's five designated model aircraft fields, making it one of the few locations in the entire city where drone operations are permitted under NYC Parks rules.

The field is named after Calvert Vaux, the architect who co-designed Central Park and Prospect Park with Frederick Law Olmsted. The park was renamed from Dreier-Offerman Park in 2012.

Location and Access

• Address area: Gravesend/Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, along the waterfront near Gravesend Bay
• Public transit: The D train to Bay 50th Street or the N train to Fort Hamilton Parkway provide nearby access
• Parking: Limited street parking available in the surrounding residential areas

NYPD Permit Exemption

Operations at the Calvert Vaux Park designated field are exempt from the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit requirement under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1). This means operators do not need to go through the full NYPD permit application process to fly at this location.

FAA Requirements Still Apply

While the NYPD permit is not required at designated fields, all federal FAA requirements remain in full effect:

• Certification: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial) or TRUST completion (recreational under 49 U.S.C. 44809)
• Registration: FAA aircraft registration for drones 0.55 lbs (250g) or heavier
• Remote ID: Standard Remote ID broadcast required under 14 CFR Part 89
• LAANC authorization: Required because NYC is within Class B airspace. Check the grid ceiling for this location before each flight
• 400 ft AGL altitude limit: Per 14 CFR 107.51(b), subject to lower LAANC ceiling

Airspace Considerations

Calvert Vaux Park sits in southern Brooklyn, within the influence of JFK Airport's Class B airspace structure. The LAANC grid ceiling at this location may be limited. Operators should:

• Check the current LAANC grid ceiling using B4UFLY, Aloft, or another LAANC-enabled app before every flight
• If the grid ceiling is 0 ft AGL, no automated authorization is available and Further Coordination through FAA DroneZone is required
• Monitor NOTAMs for temporary flight restrictions that may affect the area

Field Rules and Best Practices

• Fly only within the designated field boundaries. Flying outside the field area places you under the general parks drone ban
• Follow any posted operating hours and site-specific rules from NYC Parks
• Share the field courteously with other model aircraft operators
• Carry your FAA certification, registration, and Remote ID compliance documentation
• Be mindful of wind conditions off Gravesend Bay, which can be stronger than inland areas