Brooklyn Drone Rules: A Complete Borough Guide for 2026

Brooklyn's Unique Position: Two Designated Fields

Brooklyn stands out among the five boroughs because it contains two of NYC's five designated model aircraft fields: Calvert Vaux Park (formerly Dreier-Offerman Park) in the Gravesend/Bensonhurst area, and Marine Park along Gerritsen Avenue. These designated fields are the only locations in Brooklyn where drone operations are permitted without an NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1).

This makes Brooklyn particularly accessible to recreational and hobbyist drone operators, though all federal FAA requirements remain in full effect at designated fields.

The Three-Layer Compliance Framework in Brooklyn

Calvert Vaux Park Model Aircraft Field

Calvert Vaux Park (formerly known as Dreier-Offerman Park) is located in the Gravesend/Bensonhurst area of southern Brooklyn. The designated model aircraft field provides an open area suitable for drone operations. Operators should verify current posted hours and boundaries at the field location, as NYC Parks may update site-specific rules.

The LAANC grid ceiling in the Calvert Vaux area should be checked before each flight, as the proximity to JFK Airport means altitude restrictions may apply. Use B4UFLY or another LAANC-enabled app to verify the current ceiling.

Marine Park Model Aircraft Field

Marine Park's designated model aircraft field is located along Gerritsen Avenue between Seba and Lois Avenues, behind the Seba Playground and skate park. Marine Park is one of the largest parks in Brooklyn, and the designated field area provides adequate space for model aircraft and drone operations.

As with all designated fields, operators must comply with posted site rules, check the LAANC ceiling before flight, and maintain Standard Remote ID broadcast throughout operations.

Brooklyn Parks: Complete Drone Ban (Outside Designated Fields)

All NYC Parks Department-managed property in Brooklyn, other than the two designated model aircraft fields listed above, is subject to the drone ban under NYC Administrative Code 18-146 and 1 RCNY 1-05(r)(2). This includes:

• Prospect Park (585 acres, managed by the Prospect Park Alliance)
• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• McCarren Park
• Sunset Park
• Fort Greene Park
• Domino Park
• All beaches (Brighton Beach, Coney Island Beach, Manhattan Beach)
• All playgrounds and recreation areas

Airspace Considerations for Brooklyn

Brooklyn sits beneath the JFK Class B airspace structure, which significantly affects drone operations. The LAANC grid ceiling varies across the borough:

• Areas closest to JFK (southeastern Brooklyn) typically have the lowest or zero LAANC ceilings
• Northern Brooklyn neighborhoods (Williamsburg, Greenpoint, DUMBO) may have slightly higher ceilings but are still within Class B
• Operators must check the specific LAANC grid square for their intended flight location before every operation

Where the grid ceiling is 0 ft AGL, operators must apply through FAA DroneZone for Further Coordination authorization, which may take days to weeks to process.

NYPD Permit for Non-Designated-Field Operations

For any Brooklyn drone operation outside of the two designated model aircraft fields, the standard NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit is required under 38 RCNY Chapter 24. This includes operations from private rooftops, commercial properties, and any non-parks public space. The permit application requires:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• FAA aircraft registration with Standard Remote ID
• Insurance: $2,000,000 per occurrence / $4,000,000 aggregate, with City of New York as Additional Insured
• Specific site plan with takeoff/landing coordinates
• Community board notification if capturing images, video, or audio (48 hours advance notice)

Brooklyn Neighborhoods and Common Drone Inquiries

Certain Brooklyn neighborhoods attract frequent drone interest from photographers, real estate professionals, and content creators:

• DUMBO: Waterfront views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline make this a highly sought location, but the area falls within Class B airspace and requires both NYPD permit and LAANC authorization
• Williamsburg: The dense urban environment and proximity to the East River require careful site planning and community notification
• Coney Island: Beach areas are NYC Parks property and subject to the drone ban; adjacent areas require NYPD permit
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade: NYC Parks-managed property; drone operations are not permitted