La Tourette Park Model Aircraft Field: What to Know

About the La Tourette Park Model Aircraft Field

La Tourette Park and Golf Course is located in the center of Staten Island, off Marsh Avenue near Richmond Avenue. The park contains one of NYC's five designated model aircraft fields and is the only designated field on Staten Island. The field is part of the larger Staten Island Greenbelt, a network of interconnected parks and green spaces.

Location and Access

• Location: Marsh Avenue off of Richmond Avenue, La Tourette Park & Golf Course, Staten Island
• Public transit: Staten Island is primarily car-oriented. The SIR (Staten Island Railway) provides service along the eastern shore, with bus connections to the interior of the island. The S59 or S54 bus lines may provide access to the Richmond Avenue area
• Driving: Accessible via the Staten Island Expressway to Richmond Avenue, then south to Marsh Avenue. Parking is typically available near the golf course

NYPD Permit Exemption

Operations at the La Tourette designated field are exempt from the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit requirement under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1). This means operators at this field do not need to apply through the NYPD portal, obtain the $2M/$4M insurance policy, or complete community board notification.

FAA Requirements

All federal FAA requirements apply at La Tourette, as at every location in the United States:

• 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

Airspace Considerations

La Tourette Park benefits from being in the center of Staten Island, which is somewhat further from the three major airports than many other NYC locations:

• The primary airspace influence comes from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to the northwest
• JFK airspace may also extend over the eastern portions of Staten Island
• Central Staten Island locations like La Tourette may have higher LAANC ceilings (potentially 100-200 ft AGL or more) compared to Manhattan or central Queens
• Always verify the current LAANC grid ceiling using B4UFLY or another approved app before flying

The Staten Island Greenbelt

La Tourette Park is part of the Staten Island Greenbelt, a nearly 3,000-acre network of parks and natural areas. While the designated field allows drone operations within its boundaries, the broader Greenbelt remains subject to the general NYC Parks drone ban. Operators must stay within the designated field boundaries and not fly over adjacent Greenbelt trails, forests, or recreation areas.

Field Rules and Best Practices

• Fly only within the designated field boundaries. The golf course and surrounding park areas are not part of the designated field
• Follow posted operating hours and site-specific rules from NYC Parks
• Be aware of golf course operations nearby and maintain safe distance from golfers
• Carry all FAA documentation (certificate, registration, Remote ID compliance)
• Share the field with other model aircraft enthusiasts