After training hundreds of pilots, the question I hear most often isn’t about camera settings or flight modes—it’s “Can I fly my drone here?” I’ve watched too many pilots get $1,100+ fines because they didn’t know the rules for the specific location they were flying in. This guide will answer that question for every common location you’re likely to encounter.
Quick Answer: Where Can You Fly a Drone?
With Part 107 certification and proper authorization, you can fly almost anywhere except: Within 5 miles of airports without LAANC approval, over people without waivers, in national parks, above 400 feet AGL, in stadium TFRs, or in prohibited/restricted airspace. Recreational pilots have additional restrictions.
The real answer depends on three factors: your certification status (Part 107 vs recreational), the airspace classification, and local ordinances. Let’s break down every location type.
Understanding Airspace Classifications
Before we dive into specific locations, you need to understand the FAA’s airspace classes. This determines whether you need authorization and what restrictions apply.
Class B Airspace (Major Airports)
- Description: Surrounds the busiest airports (JFK, LAX, ORD, etc.)
- Authorization Required: Yes, always (LAANC or manual authorization)
- Altitude Limits: Varies, typically 0-200 feet AGL near outer rings
- Processing Time: Instant via LAANC, or 90+ days manual
- Difficulty Level: Difficult (many denials)
Class C Airspace (Mid-Size Airports)
- Description: Airports with control towers and radar services
- Authorization Required: Yes (LAANC available)
- Altitude Limits: Typically 0-400 feet AGL
- Processing Time: Instant via LAANC
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (usually approved)
Class D Airspace (Small Towered Airports)
- Description: Smaller airports with control towers
- Authorization Required: Yes (LAANC available)
- Altitude Limits: Typically 0-400 feet AGL
- Processing Time: Instant via LAANC
- Difficulty Level: Easy (rarely denied)
Class E Airspace (Controlled Airspace)
- Description: Controlled airspace not classified as B, C, or D
- Authorization Required: Sometimes (depends on surface designation)
- Altitude Limits: 0-400 feet AGL (no authorization needed above ground)
- Processing Time: Usually none needed
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Class G Airspace (Uncontrolled)
- Description: Airspace not controlled by ATC
- Authorization Required: No
- Altitude Limits: 0-400 feet AGL
- Processing Time: N/A
- Difficulty Level: Easy (still must follow Part 107 rules)
Can I Fly My Drone in… (Location-Specific Rules)
City Parks and Public Parks
Federal Rules: Legal if in Class G airspace and following Part 107 rules
Local Rules: Often prohibited by city/county ordinances
Reality Check: Check local laws FIRST. Many cities ban drone flights in parks regardless of FAA rules.
Examples:
- New York City: Illegal in all city parks (NYC Administrative Code)
- Los Angeles: Illegal in all city parks without permit
- San Francisco: Prohibited in city parks
- Austin, TX: Allowed in most parks (verify current rules)
- Denver: Allowed with restrictions
How to Check: Call local parks department or search “[city name] drone laws”
National Parks
Answer: NO – Completely prohibited
Authority: 36 CFR 1.5 – National Park Service regulation
Penalty: $5,000 fine and/or 6 months jail
This includes:
- All 63 National Parks (Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, etc.)
- National Monuments
- National Recreation Areas
- National Seashores
Exception: Some parks allow flying from OUTSIDE park boundaries if you never enter park airspace. Verify with specific park.
State Parks
Answer: Varies by state
States That Allow Drones in State Parks:
- Texas (with restrictions)
- Florida (most parks)
- Colorado (case-by-case)
- Arizona (most parks)
States That Ban Drones in State Parks:
- California (banned in most state parks)
- New York (prohibited)
- Oregon (banned in state parks)
- Washington (mostly prohibited)
How to Check: Contact state parks department or check state drone laws
Beaches (Public)
Federal Rules: Legal if in Class G airspace and following Part 107
Local Rules: Many coastal cities ban beach drone flights
Examples:
- Miami Beach, FL: Prohibited
- Malibu, CA: Prohibited
- Outer Banks, NC: Allowed (check current rules)
- Gulf Shores, AL: Allowed with restrictions
- Hawaii: Extremely restricted, many beaches prohibited
Additional Concern: Privacy laws – don’t fly over people in swimsuits (harassment laws)
Neighborhoods and Residential Areas
Federal Rules: Legal if in appropriate airspace and not over people
Local Rules: Some HOAs and cities restrict residential flights
Best Practices:
- Notify neighbors before flying
- Stay away from windows (privacy concerns)
- Don’t fly over private property without permission
- Respect noise ordinances (early morning/late night)
- Note: You CAN fly over property, but harassment laws still apply
Within 5 Miles of an Airport
OLD RULE (Pre-2023): Notify airport if within 5 miles
CURRENT RULE: Must obtain LAANC authorization or manual approval
How to Get Authorization:
- Download LAANC app (Aloft, Airmap, Kittyhawk)
- Enter your location and flight details
- Check altitude limits for your area
- Request authorization (instant approval if within limits)
- Fly with authorization on your phone
Altitude Limits Near Airports: Typically 0 feet up to 400 feet depending on distance from runway
Schools and Universities
Federal Rules: Legal if in appropriate airspace
School Policy: Most schools prohibit drones on campus
Privacy Concerns: Flying over schools raises child safety concerns
Best Practice: Get explicit permission from school administration before flying anywhere near a school
Stadiums and Sports Venues
Game Day: Prohibited within 3 nautical miles, up to 3,000 feet AGL
TFR Duration: 1 hour before until 1 hour after event
Applies To: NFL, MLB, NCAA Division 1, NASCAR (30,000+ capacity venues)
Penalty: FAA enforcement action, criminal charges possible
Non-Game Day: Check for LAANC requirements (many stadiums in controlled airspace)
Highways and Roads
Federal Rules: Legal if not over moving vehicles
State Rules: Some states prohibit flying over highways
Part 107 Restriction: Cannot fly over moving vehicles unless waiver obtained or covered by Remote ID exception
Examples:
- California: Illegal to fly directly over highway traffic
- Florida: Restrictions on flying over roads
- Texas: Generally allowed (verify current law)
Private Property
Takeoff/Landing: Need property owner permission
Overflight: FAA controls airspace, not property owners
Key Points:
- You CAN fly over private property (FAA controls navigable airspace)
- You CANNOT trespass to take off or land
- You CANNOT harass people (privacy/harassment laws still apply)
- Property owners CANNOT shoot down your drone (federal crime)
Military Bases and Installations
Answer: Absolutely prohibited
Airspace: Restricted or prohibited airspace
Consequences: Drone seizure, federal charges, potential criminal prosecution
Buffer Zones: Restricted airspace extends beyond base boundaries – check sectional charts
Emergency Scenes (Fires, Accidents, etc.)
Federal Law: Prohibited within TFR (usually 5nm, up to specified altitude)
State Laws: Many states have specific laws against flying near emergencies
Penalty: $20,000+ fines, criminal charges
Why It Matters: Drones ground firefighting aircraft – can cost lives
Washington D.C. and Surrounding Areas
Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA): 30-mile radius around Washington
Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ): 15-mile radius – NO recreational drones allowed
Requirements: Part 107 + TSA vetting + online training + LAANC authorization
Reality: Most of DC metro area is effectively off-limits for recreational pilots
Complete Location Permission Table
| Location Type | Federal Rules | Typical Restrictions | Authorization Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Parks | Prohibited | 36 CFR 1.5 | N/A – Not allowed |
| State Parks | Allowed (federally) | Varies by state | Check state rules |
| City Parks | Allowed (federally) | Often banned locally | Check city ordinances |
| Beaches | Allowed (federally) | Often banned locally | Check local rules |
| Residential Areas | Allowed | HOA may restrict | LAANC if in controlled airspace |
| Near Airports (<5mi) | Allowed with auth | Altitude limits apply | Yes – LAANC required |
| Schools | Allowed (federally) | School policy restricts | Permission + LAANC |
| Stadiums (Game Day) | Prohibited (TFR) | 3nm radius, +/- 1 hour | N/A – Not allowed |
| Highways | Not over moving vehicles | Some states ban | Depends on airspace |
| Private Property | Can overfly | Cannot trespass | Airspace dependent |
| Military Bases | Prohibited | Restricted airspace | N/A – Not allowed |
| Emergency Scenes | Prohibited (TFR) | Usually 5nm radius | N/A – Not allowed |
| Washington DC | Restricted | 15-30nm restrictions | Yes – Special requirements |
How to Check Before Every Flight
Step 1: Check Airspace Classification
Free Tools:
- B4UFLY App: FAA’s official app (iOS/Android)
- AirMap: Comprehensive airspace data
- Aloft: LAANC + airspace visualization
- Kittyhawk: Professional flight planning
Step 2: Check for TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions)
- tfr.faa.gov: Official TFR list
- B4UFLY: Shows active TFRs
- ForeFlight: If you use aviation apps
Step 3: Check Local Ordinances
- Google: “[city/county name] drone laws”
- Call local police non-emergency line
- Check city/county website
- Ask local drone groups on Facebook/Reddit
Step 4: Get LAANC Authorization (if needed)
- Open LAANC app (Aloft recommended)
- Enter flight location and altitude
- Submit authorization request
- Receive instant approval (or denial)
- Keep authorization on phone during flight
What Happens If You Fly Illegally?
FAA Penalties
- Civil Penalties: $1,100 – $32,666 per violation
- Criminal Penalties: Up to $250,000 and/or 3 years prison (for serious violations)
- Certificate Revocation: Lose your Part 107 certification
Local Penalties
- Fines: $50 – $1,000 depending on jurisdiction
- Misdemeanor charges: Possible in some states
- Drone confiscation: Police may seize your equipment
Real Cases
- 2023, Yellowstone: Pilot fined $2,300 for flying in national park
- 2022, LA Wildfire: Pilot faced federal charges for flying near firefighting operations
- 2021, Stadium TFR: Pilot fined $14,700 for flying during NFL game
- 2020, DC FRZ: Drone seized, pilot received civil penalty of $3,800
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly my drone in my backyard?
Yes, as long as you’re in legal airspace (check B4UFLY), not over people, and following Part 107 or recreational rules. Your property ownership doesn’t exempt you from FAA regulations.
Can I fly over people’s houses?
Technically yes (FAA controls airspace), but it’s not recommended. You must not fly OVER people without proper waiver/Remote ID, and you could face harassment or privacy complaints. Best practice: get permission or fly elsewhere.
Do I need permission to fly in a public park?
Federally, no FAA permission needed if in Class G airspace. However, most cities have local ordinances prohibiting drones in parks. Check your specific city’s rules before flying.
Can I fly at night?
Yes, with Part 107 and anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles. Recreational pilots: must keep drone in visual line of sight at all times (effectively limits night flying).
How close can I fly to an airport?
There’s no specific distance limit. You need LAANC authorization if within controlled airspace (often extends 5+ miles from airports). Authorization specifies your maximum altitude – sometimes 0 feet (no flying allowed), sometimes 50-400 feet depending on location.
Can I fly over a highway?
Part 107: Cannot fly over moving vehicles unless waiver obtained or Remote ID exception applies. State laws: Some states specifically prohibit flying over highways. Check your state’s laws.
What if someone tells me I can’t fly there?
Verify they have authority. Property owners can restrict takeoff/landing but not overflight. Security guards may ask you to leave private property. Police should cite specific law if ordering you to stop. If unsure, comply and research later.
Do I need insurance to fly?
Not federally required, but highly recommended for commercial operations. Some clients require proof of insurance ($1M+ liability). Cost: $500-$2,000/year depending on coverage.
Can I fly in the rain?
Most consumer drones are NOT waterproof. Check your specific model’s specifications. Even water-resistant drones should avoid heavy rain. Wind and visibility restrictions (3 miles visibility minimum) may also apply.
What altitude can I fly at?
Maximum 400 feet AGL (above ground level) unless within 400 feet of a structure, then you can fly up to 400 feet above the structure’s highest point. LAANC may further restrict altitude in controlled airspace.
Summary: Your Pre-Flight Checklist
Before EVERY flight, verify:
- ✅ Airspace class (B4UFLY app) – LAANC authorization if needed
- ✅ No active TFRs (temporary flight restrictions)
- ✅ Local ordinances allow drone flights at your location
- ✅ Weather conditions (visibility 3+ miles, wind <25 mph recommended)
- ✅ Not over people unless you have Remote ID/waiver
- ✅ Daylight only (unless night waiver + anti-collision lighting)
- ✅ Visual line of sight maintained at all times
- ✅ Below 400 feet AGL (or structure exception)
- ✅ Away from emergency operations
- ✅ Not in national parks or other federally prohibited areas
When in doubt, don’t fly. A $1,100+ fine or losing your Part 107 certificate isn’t worth the risk. Take 5 minutes to verify you’re legal before every flight.
Remember: Just because the airspace is technically legal doesn’t mean you should fly there. Use good judgment, respect privacy, and prioritize safety over getting the shot.
