Mostly no. New York City law bans taking off or landing a drone anywhere in the five boroughs except at designated model aircraft fields in city parks. Since July 2023, Part 107 pilots can apply to the NYPD for a permit, but recreational flyers are limited to those five fields.
The city rule
Section 10-126(c) of the NYC Administrative Code bars aircraft, including drones, from taking off or landing in the city except at approved places. In 2023 the NYPD added a permit process (38 RCNY Chapter 24). The key points from the NYPD's FAQ:
- The operator must hold an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate under Part 107.
- Apply at least 30 days before the flight. Repeat applicants with a recent clean permit can get a 14-day review.
- The application fee is $150, non-refundable.
- The permit rule does not apply to the Parks Department's designated model aircraft fields.
So a tourist with a Mini drone can't legally launch from the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, a rooftop or a pier without a permit.
Where hobbyists can fly: the model aircraft fields
NYC Parks lists five model aircraft fields:
| Field | Borough | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Calvert Vaux Park | Brooklyn | 26th Ave and Cropsey Ave |
| Marine Park | Brooklyn | Gerritsen Ave between Seba and Lois Aves |
| Flushing Meadows Corona Park | Queens | Van Wyck Expwy by Meadow Lake |
| Forest Park | Queens | Jackie Robinson Pkwy and Forest Pkwy |
| La Tourette Park | Staten Island | Marsh Ave off Richmond Ave |
Even at these fields, FAA rules still apply. Several sit under controlled airspace, so check for a LAANC authorization before you launch.
Airspace: the other big hurdle
New York is one of the busiest airspaces in the country. Class B airspace for JFK, LaGuardia and Newark covers most of the city, and there are heliports along both rivers plus constant helicopter traffic over the Hudson and East River. Common TFRs cover events, VIP visits and the UN General Assembly each September. Open B4UFLY or Aloft before every flight, and check the no-fly zones guide.
Federal rules still apply
- Pass the free TRUST test if you fly for fun.
- Register drones of 250 g or more ($5, 3 years) and fly with Remote ID.
- Stay at or below 400 ft, keep the drone in sight, and don't fly over people or moving vehicles.
Which drone for NYC?
For the model fields, a sub-250 g drone is easiest: the DJI Mini 5 Pro or Mini 4 Pro for the best camera, or the DJI Neo for simple selfie shots. Small drones don't change the city's takeoff ban, but they are quieter and easier to manage around other park users.
Want the rules for the park everyone asks about? See can you fly a drone in Central Park. For the rest of the state, read New York drone laws.
Rules current as of October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.
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