Forest Park Model Aircraft Field: What to Know

About the Forest Park Model Aircraft Field

Forest Park, a 538-acre urban forest in the Woodhaven and Richmond Hill areas of Queens, contains one of NYC's five designated model aircraft fields. The field is located near the intersection of Jackie Robinson Parkway and Forest Parkway. Forest Park is known for its dense tree cover and as one of the few remaining old-growth forests in New York City.

Location and Access

• Location: Near Jackie Robinson Parkway & Forest Parkway, Forest Park, Queens
• Public transit: The J/Z train to Woodhaven Boulevard station, then a walk south into the park area. Several bus routes also serve the Forest Park area
• Driving: Accessible via Jackie Robinson Parkway (formerly the Interboro Parkway). Limited parking is available along park roads

NYPD Permit Exemption

Operations at the Forest Park designated field are exempt from the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1). This exemption applies only within the designated field boundaries. All other areas of Forest Park are subject to the general parks drone ban under NYC Administrative Code 18-146.

FAA Requirements

All federal FAA requirements apply at Forest Park:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (commercial) or TRUST completion (recreational)
• FAA aircraft registration for drones at or above 0.55 lbs (250g)
• Standard Remote ID broadcast under 14 CFR Part 89
• LAANC airspace authorization for the applicable grid square
• Maximum altitude subject to LAANC ceiling, up to 400 ft AGL per 14 CFR 107.51(b)

Airspace Over Forest Park

Forest Park sits in central-south Queens, between LGA to the north and JFK to the southeast. The LAANC grid ceiling at this location depends on the specific grid square:

• Check the current LAANC ceiling using B4UFLY or another LAANC-enabled app before every flight
• The ceiling may be limited due to the combined influence of JFK and LGA airspace structures
• If the ceiling is 0 ft AGL, Further Coordination through FAA DroneZone is required

Forest Park Environment

Forest Park is characterized by dense tree cover, including some of the last remaining old-growth forest in NYC. This creates both opportunities and challenges for drone operations:

• The designated field area provides open space for operations, but surrounding tree cover may affect GPS signal quality and visual line of sight
• Wildlife is active in Forest Park, including migratory birds and other species. Be mindful of wildlife during operations, especially during spring and fall migration seasons
• The park is popular with hikers, joggers, and equestrians. Coordinate with other park users when operating at the designated field

Field Rules and Best Practices

• Fly only within the designated field boundaries. The surrounding forest trails, golf course, and recreation areas remain under the parks drone ban
• Follow posted operating hours and NYC Parks site-specific rules
• Maintain visual line of sight at all times, accounting for tree cover at field edges
• Share the field with other model aircraft operators
• Carry all FAA documentation and be prepared to present it if asked by park rangers or law enforcement