NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe Flying

This article provides an excellent guide to help NYC residents and visitors understand the city's rules and regulations governing flying drones.
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Last updatedLast updated: August 01, 2024
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Drones are taking over every business sector Trusted Source 38 Ways Drones Willl Impact Society: War To Forecasting Weather | CB Insights High tech drones or UAVs are tackling everything from disease control to vacuuming up ocean waste to delivering pizza, and more. www.cbinsights.com due to their ability to access any area irrespective of its risks. The future and success of a profit-based organization are highly based on utilizing resources that eliminate human resources to reduce input costs. One of these resources is the use of drones. NYC drone laws are stipulated to ensure order during the use of these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) Trusted Source What Is A Drone? What Are Uses For Drones? | Built In The term “drone” usually refers to any unpiloted aircraft. Sometimes referred to as “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs), these crafts can carry out an impressive range of tasks, ranging from military operations to package delivery. builtin.com . If drone ownership, flying, and landing are not adequately regulated, it can lead to life-threatening situations.

It is not surprising to find a drone flying over your head on a lucky day because multiple investors worldwide are joining the lucrative investment. Drone ownership is easy, especially with the advent of these best drones under $2000. Due to the rising number of drones, most cities such as New York have laws governing when, where, and how to fly in their skies to ensure safety.

Legal Areas to Fly Drones Over NY

Without drone registration in NY, it is illegal to fly a drone in New York. Flying drones are prohibited in all the US cities and require drone flyers to follow set rules and laws every time they are using drones.

So, is it illegal to fly a drone in NYC? The fact is, with a registration, one can fly a drone over specific areas. One would therefore ask, where it is legal to fly drones over New York. NYC government has set aside some parks that allow drone users to fly their drones with a drone registration NY.

Before you visit any of the below-listed parks, you must confirm the existing flying laws so that you do not find yourself in trouble. Adhering to all the requisites for the parks is also as important.

The drones for Christmas are perfect gifts that people get from their loved ones during the holidays. With such a fantastic present, it is easy to take beautiful views of New York City from these locations;

Forest Park

The park is situated in Queens and has beautiful pictures that make it a good field for flying drones. It is known for its breathtaking features, such as the picturesque paths and the extensive green golf course.

The meandering park is recognized among drone owners who look to capture geographic beauty. It covers Brooklyn and Queens. These areas comprise small hills and a chain of beautiful trees. Here, a drone view gives gorgeous pictures of its large area of about 15 acres covered by a green expanse.

Soaring above forest park is an opportunity to capture breathtaking views of Mt Hope Cemetery. The skyline of Manhattan, the aerial shots of sports channels, and the ability to explore the eastern side of the golf course are a chance you cannot miss when you visit this park with your stunt drone.

The park also includes a model aircraft field that is privately constructed and excluded at the western end. It allows you to carry your activities while preserving your privacy.

NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe FlyingCalvert Vaux Park

Like any other drone flying base in NYC, visiting and using Calvert Vaux Park requires one to follow drone regulations in NYC specific to this place. These include the requirement that one is a member of this park’s local and national clubs.

This fantastic park is designed and situated in a secluded area. It has landscape settings that open on a wide field to allow inexperienced drone users to enjoy their moment. These features, married with a good drone such as Parrot PF728000 ANAFI Drone, provide a chance for amateurs to have an easy time when flying their drones.

You can capture beautiful shots of the famous Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the Coney Island Creek Park at this base. It also provides one with a rare opportunity of getting cruise ship’s shots.

NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe FlyingLa Tourette Park

It occupies a significant area of Staten Island, approximately a third of its 2800 acres of green belt. The rich history of the park makes it a place you would want to visit and explore. Lovers of nature dominated by green swaths find this base a suitable choice. During takeoffs, drones use a specific airfield behind the course.

NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe FlyingFlushing Meadows – Corona Park

Every year Flushing Meadows hosts the Open tennis tournament of the US. At Corona Park, people have the chance to capture the shots of the baseball field, soccer fields, basketball courts, and the tennis complex.

The park is captured between the Meadow Lake and Van Wyck Expressway, providing its visitors with an opportunity to get amazing unique aerial scenes.

NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe FlyingMarine Park

The park has about 530 acres covered with grassland and salt marsh to ensure that users obtain beautiful footage. The scenes of Shell Bank Creek flowing between Plumb Island and the Marine Park can be easily captured by the DJI FPV Combo drone flown over the wooded regions.

NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe FlyingGeneral Drone Regulations in NYC

Considering the high population of NYC settlers, the state assembly stipulates several rules regarding launching and operation of UAS to safeguard the safety of the city dwellers:

Chapter 99. Peace and Good Order

This law explains the Unlawful Trespass and the prohibited activities in Orchard Park, NY. This park can at times host more than 200 individuals gathering for an even. The law, therefore, prohibits the operation of an unmanned aircraft closer than one mile in the open field of Orchard Park during an event.

It also terms it unlawful to fly a drone above the fields of Ralph Wilson Stadium Complex within 3 miles during an event. Also, it is illegal to fly a UAS before 2 hours elapses after an event has been conducted and 4 hours before an event in Ralph Wilson Stadium Complex.

Article 28, Part 3, 1115

The law explains the exemptions from taxes and sales only for aircraft used in civil aviation and not commercial aircraft. These include aircraft, drones, and aerial vehicles owned by the military. The relevant receipts shall be availed to help prove the need for tax exemption.

Federal Drone Laws in NYC

Federal laws governing the operation of drones in the US are common for all states. Therefore, they are made and maintained by the national government. They include the following;

  • All the pilots flying the drones from New York for functions related to business and labor must adhere to stipulations of FAA’s Part 107-Little UAS Rule. Also, they must have pilot certification from FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test Trusted Source Part 107 Test Prep | Drone Pilot Ground School Titled Part 107, these new regulations effectively create a new drone certification process that covers the majority of low-risk, commercial sUAS flight operations. www.dronepilotgroundschool.com .
  • FAA stipulates guidelines for recreational aircraft to follow. Therefore, all drones meant for enjoyment and fun should follow those rules.
  • People with drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250g) should pay $5 for a drone registration NY certificate. Also, they must maintain their aircraft within the line of sight when flying.
  • One should get a Certificate of Authorization (COA) or operate within part 107 principle found in FAA when flying a drone belonging to a government worker in NY.

State Drone Laws in NYC

NYC Drone Laws: Legal and Safe FlyingThe New York State Assembly set the drone regulations that govern the operations of drones in the city. The general regulations are contained in a single national law in line with the State Assembly and the State’s Transportation Department.

OPR-PCD-018-New York Parks and Historic Preservation //2015

This law is designed to give the OPRHP the sole responsibility of determining and authorizing the usage of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. It allows only those UAS prior and properly approved by the bureau to land and launch in the designated state’s parks and the city’s historical sites.

OPRHP is allowed to offer licenses according to the below guidelines and attach the sample to the availed permit;

  • Drones that operate commercially should adhere to the FAA’s certification process as stipulated in part 107 rules.
  • Prior approval is required in the form of a written license from the OPRHP before a drone’s performance. Without it, the launching is prohibited.

Local Drone Laws in NYC

Several authorities in NY are entitled to make the local rules governing the operation of drones. These rules apply to specific areas, counties, and cities in New York City.

City Restriction //2017 NYC

Under this law, all drones flying over the city of New York are prohibited. It advises anybody to telephone 911 if they see a drone flying.

Administrative Code §(C) //2017 – NYC

This rule prohibits the landing of drones anywhere in the city unless during an emergency. Landing is only allowed in areas designated by the transportation department.

Municipal Law //2016 Syracuse City

According to this rule, there are not enough laws to govern taxpayers’ 1st and 4th amendment rights. So, it terms it unlawful for town officials to fly drones until sufficient laws are made.

Illegal Places to Fly Drones in NY

Several parks and historical sites have been outlined that the NY authorities have set as safe launching fields for drones. Apart from these places, it is illegal to fly and land a drone anywhere in the state. Doing so attracts a fine of multiple dollars and can see one serve a stipulated jail term.

Administrative code §(C) //2017 NYC prohibits landing of UAS anywhere in NYC unless during emergencies.


Helpful Notes for Operating UAS in NYC

It is helpful for commercial drone users to ensure they are appropriately educated on the laws governing flying drones in NY before they do so. There is an existing partnership between FAA and other authorities to support an internet-based educational campaign Know Before You Fly Trusted Source Home | Know Before You Fly Know Before You Fly is an education campaign organized by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). knowbeforeyoufly.org .

The campaign is crucial for all future and existing drone users in NY as it provides resources, tips, and pointers. Therefore, it is advisable to undertake it to keep yourself adequately informed.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are an amateur drone user or an experienced one, it is vital to make yourself conversant with the state’s laws governing the flying of drones. NYC drone laws include multiple federal, local, and state rules to help bring order and safety when using UAS.

Drones can be seen as small creatures when flying but, they can cause a menace if not correctly handled. Drone flying is a hazardous activity as it poses a threat to people’s life. It is why cities such as NY barns fly of these UAS close to areas inhabited by people. Therefore, you must get the relevant education before you fly any UAS.

References

1.
38 Ways Drones Willl Impact Society: War To Forecasting Weather | CB Insights
High tech drones or UAVs are tackling everything from disease control to vacuuming up ocean waste to delivering pizza, and more.
2.
What Is A Drone? What Are Uses For Drones? | Built In
The term “drone” usually refers to any unpiloted aircraft. Sometimes referred to as “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs), these crafts can carry out an impressive range of tasks, ranging from military operations to package delivery.
3.
Part 107 Test Prep | Drone Pilot Ground School
Titled Part 107, these new regulations effectively create a new drone certification process that covers the majority of low-risk, commercial sUAS flight operations.
4.
Home | Know Before You Fly
Know Before You Fly is an education campaign organized by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).
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