Drone Flying Rules Over the East River in NYC

The East River Exclusion

The East River Exclusion is airspace from the surface up to the overlying Class B floor, between the banks of and overlying the East River. Like the Hudson River Exclusion, it is governed by 14 CFR Part 93 Subpart W.

Operating Procedures for Manned Aircraft

Under 14 CFR Section 93.353:

• Northbound traffic follows the west shoreline (Manhattan side) at or below 500 ft MSL
• Southbound traffic follows the east shoreline (Brooklyn/Queens side) at or below 500 ft MSL
• Aircraft self-announce at mandatory reporting points

The lower altitude (500 ft MSL vs 1,000 ft in the Hudson corridor for transiting traffic) means manned aircraft operate even closer to the surface.

Intersection with Airport Approaches

The East River corridor intersects with JFK and LaGuardia approach and departure paths at its southern and northern extremities. Commercial aircraft on approach or departure share the same airspace as helicopter traffic within the exclusion.

Why Drones Cannot Operate Here

• LAANC ceiling: 0 ft AGL over most of the corridor
• Continuous manned traffic without ATC communication
• 14 CFR Section 107.37 right-of-way obligation impossible to satisfy
• Additional risk from JFK/LaGuardia approach path intersections

Adjacent Waterfront Areas

Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Lower East Side, FDR Drive corridor, and Long Island City waterfront are all affected by the combination of river exclusion, 0 ft ceilings, and proximity to manned traffic patterns. While on land, the density of manned aircraft creates practical risk zones beyond the water edge.