NYC Designated Model Aircraft Fields: The 5 Legal Spots

The Five Designated Model Aircraft Fields

New York City Parks Department has designated exactly five locations across three boroughs where model aircraft and drone operations are permitted. These are the only NYC Parks properties exempt from the general drone ban under NYC Administrative Code 18-146. Operations at these fields are also exempt from the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit requirement under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1).

What Rules Apply at Designated Fields?

The NYPD permit exemption simplifies access to these fields, but operators must not overlook the federal requirements. NYC sits within Class B airspace, and LAANC authorization is required for virtually all drone flights. Check the LAANC grid ceiling for each field's location before every flight using B4UFLY or another approved app.

Borough Coverage

The five designated fields are distributed across three boroughs. Notably, Manhattan and the Bronx have no designated model aircraft fields:

• Brooklyn: 2 fields (Calvert Vaux Park, Marine Park)
• Queens: 2 fields (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Forest Park)
• Staten Island: 1 field (La Tourette Park)
• Manhattan: 0 fields
• Bronx: 0 fields

Practical Tips for Flying at Designated Fields

• Verify field status: NYC Parks may update or modify designated field locations. Check the current list at nycgovparks.org/facilities/modelaircraftfields before your visit
• Check LAANC ceiling: Use B4UFLY or another LAANC-enabled app to verify the altitude ceiling for the specific grid square over the field. The ceiling may be lower than 400 ft due to nearby airport traffic
• Bring documentation: Carry your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or TRUST completion certificate, FAA registration certificate, and proof of Remote ID compliance
• Follow posted rules: Each field may have posted operating hours, boundary markers, and additional restrictions. Respect these site-specific rules
• Be mindful of other users: Designated fields may be shared with traditional model aircraft hobbyists, kite flyers, and other park visitors
• Stay within field boundaries: Flying outside the designated field area puts you back under the general parks drone ban

Model Aircraft Clubs at Designated Fields

Several of the designated fields are associated with model aircraft clubs that have operated in NYC for decades. These clubs can be a valuable resource for local flying conditions, field etiquette, and community support. While club membership is not required to use a designated field, clubs often help maintain the fields and coordinate with NYC Parks on field access.