NYC Drone Laws 2025: New Rules, No‑Fly Zones, and What You Need to Know
On July 21, 2023, New York City implemented the Unmanned Aircraft Permit system (NYPD with DOT) to allow takeoffs and landings in NYC under a city permit after a 75-year ban. The NYC Avigation Law, Administrative Code §10-126, in effect since 1948, makes takeoff or landing of any aircraft, including drones, unlawful within city limits except at designated airports. The five designated model aircraft fields for hobby flying are Calvert Vaux Park (Brooklyn), Marine Park (Brooklyn), Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens), Forest Park (Queens), and La Tourette Park (Staten Island). A NYC drone permit requires a Part 107 licensed pilot;