Where Can You Legally Fly a Drone in NYC?

Option 1: The Five Designated Model Aircraft Fields

These are the simplest legal option for flying a drone within NYC. Operations at designated fields are exempt from the NYPD permit requirement under 38 RCNY § 24-02(b)(1):

1. Flushing Meadows Corona Park — Queens (Van Wyck Expressway by Meadow Lake)
2. Calvert Vaux Park — Brooklyn (Gravesend/Bensonhurst area)
3. Marine Park — Brooklyn (Gerritsen Avenue between Seba and Lois Avenues, behind Seba Playground/skate park)
4. Forest Park — Queens (Jackie Robinson Parkway & Forest Parkway)
5. LaTourette Park & Golf Course — Staten Island (Marsh Avenue off Richmond Avenue)

Verify current field availability and any posted restrictions at nycgovparks.org before your visit.

What Still Applies at Designated Fields

• FAA Part 107 or recreational rules (TRUST test)
• FAA Remote ID (14 CFR Part 89)
• LAANC authorization — NYC is Class B airspace; check the grid ceiling for each field location
• Any posted site rules (hours, boundaries, restrictions)

Option 2: NYPD Permit

For operations at locations other than the designated fields, you must obtain an NYPD drone permit through 38 RCNY Chapter 24. This is the pathway for commercial photography, film production, infrastructure inspection, and any other non-field operations.

Key requirements:

• $150 application fee (non-refundable)
• At least 30 days advance application (14 days for returning applicants)
• All operators must hold FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificates
• Insurance: $2,000,000 per occurrence / $4,000,000 aggregate
• Community notification if capturing images, video, or audio (48 hours before flight)

Apply at nyc.gov/dronepermits.

Option 3: Nearby Areas Outside NYC

If you want to fly with fewer restrictions, consider locations outside the five boroughs where NYC's local drone laws do not apply. You still need to comply with all FAA rules, but the city-level permit and insurance requirements do not extend beyond NYC limits.

Long Island

Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island offer open spaces and beaches where drone flying is significantly less restricted than in NYC. Many areas are in Class G or Class E airspace with higher LAANC ceilings. Check local park regulations and any county-specific drone ordinances before flying.

Westchester County

North of the Bronx, Westchester offers parks and open areas outside NYC jurisdiction. Some county parks may have their own drone policies — check before visiting.

New Jersey

Across the Hudson River, New Jersey does not have the same city-level permit requirements as NYC. However, be aware that Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) creates Class B airspace over much of northern New Jersey. Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers Manhattan skyline views but check NJ-specific park drone policies.

Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley region north of Westchester offers scenic flying opportunities with generally less restrictive airspace. State parks and DEC-managed lands may have their own rules (see NYS DEC CP-71 policy).

Where You Cannot Fly in NYC

To be clear about the restrictions:

• All NYC parks (except the five designated fields) — including Central Park, Prospect Park, and all waterfront parks
• Any location without NYPD authorization — rooftops, sidewalks, piers, private property (even with owner permission)
• Over crowds — prohibited under both FAA and NYC rules
• Near airports — JFK, LGA, and EWR create overlapping Class B airspace with LAANC ceilings at or near 0 ft in many areas
• Critical infrastructure — bridges, tunnels, power plants, government buildings
• TFR zones — Temporary Flight Restrictions during major events, presidential visits, or emergencies

Pre-Flight Planning Steps

1. Determine whether you need NYPD authorization or can use a designated field
2. Check LAANC authorization availability for your location using an FAA-approved app
3. Verify Remote ID compliance on your aircraft
4. Confirm your FAA registration is current
5. Check for any active TFRs at tfr.faa.gov