Queens Drone Rules: A Complete Borough Guide for 2026

Queens: Two Designated Fields Under Heavy Airspace

Queens occupies a unique position in NYC's drone landscape. The borough contains two of the city's five designated model aircraft fields, offering legal flying opportunities. However, Queens also hosts two of the three major airports that define NYC's Class B airspace: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in southeastern Queens and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in northern Queens. This means airspace restrictions over Queens are among the most severe in the country.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park Model Aircraft Field

The designated model aircraft field at Flushing Meadows Corona Park is located near the Van Wyck Expressway by Meadow Lake. This is one of the most accessible designated fields in NYC, served by the 7 train (Mets-Willets Point station). The field provides open space for drone operations exempt from the NYPD permit requirement under 38 RCNY 24-02(b)(1).

Operators must still comply with all FAA requirements: Part 107 or TRUST certification, Standard Remote ID broadcast (Part 89), and LAANC authorization for the applicable grid square. The proximity to LGA means the LAANC ceiling at this location should be carefully verified before every flight.

Forest Park Model Aircraft Field

Forest Park's designated model aircraft field is located near the intersection of Jackie Robinson Parkway and Forest Parkway in the Woodhaven/Richmond Hill area. This field provides an alternative flying location for operators in central and southern Queens.

As with all designated fields, posted site-specific rules from NYC Parks must be followed. The LAANC grid ceiling should be checked before each flight using B4UFLY or another approved app.

The Three-Layer Framework in Queens

JFK and LGA Airspace Impact on Queens

Queens is the most airspace-constrained borough due to the presence of both JFK and LGA within its boundaries:

• JFK (southeastern Queens): Class B surface area extends across Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Jamaica Bay, and surrounding neighborhoods. The LAANC grid ceiling in these areas is typically 0 ft AGL
• LGA (northern Queens): Class B airspace covers Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Flushing, with similarly restrictive LAANC ceilings
• Mid-Queens: Areas between the two airports may have slightly higher LAANC ceilings (50-200 ft AGL) but remain within controlled airspace

Operators planning flights anywhere in Queens should check the LAANC grid ceiling for their specific location. Where the ceiling is 0 ft, FAA DroneZone Further Coordination authorization is required, which may take days to weeks.

Queens Parks: Drone Ban Outside Designated Fields

All NYC Parks property in Queens is subject to the drone ban under NYC Administrative Code 18-146, with the exception of the two designated model aircraft fields. This includes:

• Flushing Meadows Corona Park (outside the designated field area)
• Forest Park (outside the designated field area)
• Astoria Park
• Cunningham Park
• Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (also managed by the National Park Service)
• Rockaway Beach and boardwalk areas
• All playgrounds and recreation areas

NYPD Permit for Non-Designated-Field Operations

For any Queens drone operation outside the two designated fields, the NYPD Unmanned Aircraft Permit is required. The application process through nyc.gov/dronepermits requires Part 107 certification, aircraft registration with Remote ID, insurance ($2M/$4M with City as Additional Insured), a site plan, and community board notification if capturing media. Given Queens' complex airspace, operators should secure FAA authorization before applying for the NYPD permit.