Marine Park Model Aircraft Field: What to Know

About the Marine Park Model Aircraft Field

Marine Park, one of the largest parks in Brooklyn at approximately 798 acres, contains one of NYC's five designated model aircraft fields. The field is located along Gerritsen Avenue between Seba and Lois Avenues, behind the Seba Playground and skate park. This location provides a defined area for drone and model aircraft operations in an otherwise highly restricted city.

Location and Access

• Location: Gerritsen Avenue between Seba and Lois Avenues, behind Seba Playground/skate park, Marine Park, Brooklyn
• Public transit: The B31 bus runs along Gerritsen Avenue. The nearest subway stations are on the B/Q line at Kings Highway or Avenue U, requiring a transfer to a bus
• Parking: Street parking is available along Gerritsen Avenue and surrounding residential streets

NYPD Permit Exemption

Operations at the Marine Park designated field are exempt from the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit requirement under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1). No application through the NYPD portal is needed for operations within the designated field boundaries.

FAA Requirements

All federal FAA requirements apply at Marine Park, as they do 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
• Maximum altitude per 14 CFR 107.51(b), subject to LAANC ceiling limitations

Airspace Considerations

Marine Park is located in southeastern Brooklyn, relatively close to JFK Airport. The JFK Class B airspace structure may impose a low LAANC grid ceiling over this area. Operators must:

• Check the LAANC grid ceiling using B4UFLY or another approved app before every flight
• If the ceiling is 0 ft AGL, no automated LAANC authorization is available. Further Coordination through FAA DroneZone would be required
• Be aware that proximity to Jamaica Bay (a significant bird habitat area) may also factor into flight planning

Marine Park Surroundings

Marine Park sits adjacent to Jamaica Bay, which is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Drone operations should not extend beyond the designated field boundaries into adjacent park areas or over Jamaica Bay's NPS-managed lands, which are subject to separate federal park regulations.

Field Rules and Best Practices

• Stay within the designated field boundaries at all times during operations
• Follow any posted operating hours and site-specific rules from NYC Parks
• Share the field with other model aircraft operators and respect a clear communication protocol for takeoff and landing
• Carry all FAA documentation (certificate, registration, Remote ID compliance)
• Be aware of wind conditions, especially from the bay to the east