Drone Flights on Long Island
Much of Long Island sits under airport airspace. I handle the approvals, permits, and flight planning so your shoot goes ahead on schedule.
Updated September 2026
What I Handle
- Airspace check: I look up the airspace at every shoot address before I quote the job.
- FAA authorization: near an airport, I request approval from the FAA, usually through LAANC, the system that often returns an answer in minutes.
- Permits: for parks, beaches, and town property, I apply for the permits the location requires.
- Flight restrictions: I check for temporary flight restrictions the day of the shoot.
- Wind and weather: I check the forecast and move the flight if conditions aren't safe.
- Certification: I'm an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot, and my drone broadcasts Remote ID as the FAA requires.
Long Island Airports and Airspace
Controlled airspace near an airport isn't off limits. It means the flight needs FAA authorization first, up to the altitude the FAA allows at that spot. Close to the runways that limit can be very low or zero, and those flights need approval further in advance.
| Airport | Near | Airspace |
|---|---|---|
| JFK | Southwest Nassau | Class B |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | Western Great Neck | Class B |
| Long Island MacArthur (ISP) | Ronkonkoma, Islip | Class C |
| Republic (FRG) | Farmingdale | Class D |
| Gabreski (FOK) | Westhampton Beach | Class D |
| East Hampton (HTO) | East Hampton | Class D in season |
The tower at East Hampton runs seasonally, so its controlled airspace is active only part of the year. East Hampton isn't part of LAANC, so approval there goes through the FAA's DroneZone and takes longer to plan. Airports without a tower, like Brookhaven and Montauk, are in uncontrolled airspace at drone altitudes.
Parks, Beaches, and Town Property
State Parks
New York State Parks, including Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and Sunken Meadow, require a written permit from the park region to launch, land, or fly a drone.
Fire Island National Seashore
The National Park Service prohibits launching, landing, or flying drones on Fire Island National Seashore land and water without written approval from the superintendent.
Suffolk County Parks
Suffolk County requires a drone permit to launch or land in county parks and beaches, plus email approval for each flight's date, time, and location. Flights are limited to designated parks.
Town Property
Towns set their own rules for town parks, beaches, and buildings. Hempstead, Oyster Bay, and Huntington all require a permit and proof of insurance to fly from town property, and some ask for weeks of notice.
Private Property
For homes and businesses, I fly with the owner's permission and handle the FAA side myself. This covers most real estate, construction, and brand shoots.
Rules Every Flight Follows
- Altitude: 400 feet above the ground or less.
- Line of sight: the drone stays in view at all times.
- People: no flights over people who aren't part of the shoot, unless FAA rules for that drone allow it.
- Twilight and night: allowed with anti collision lighting, and near an airport the flight still needs authorization.
- Temporary flight restrictions: VIP visits, especially in the Hamptons in summer, can close airspace on short notice.
Common Questions
Can you fly near MacArthur, Republic, or Gabreski?
Yes, with FAA authorization. Near these airports I request approval through LAANC, which often comes back in minutes for flights up to the altitude the FAA allows at that spot.
Do I need a permit for a shoot at my home or business?
Usually not. On private property I fly with the owner's permission and handle any FAA authorization myself. Parks, beaches, and town property are different and can need a permit.
Can you fly at night or at twilight?
Yes. Part 107 allows night flights with anti collision lighting, and near an airport the flight still needs authorization, which I request ahead of time. The Best Light Planner shows the twilight window for any Long Island address.
Can you fly at the beach?
It depends on who manages the beach. State parks need a written permit, Fire Island National Seashore prohibits drones without the superintendent's approval, and county and town beaches have their own permits.
How far ahead should I book?
For a home or business, a few days is usually enough. For a park, beach, or town property, tell me as early as you can, since some permits take weeks.
Planning an Aerial Shoot?
Send the address and date, and I'll check the airspace and plan the flight around the best light.
This page is a general overview, not legal advice. Airspace and local rules change, and I confirm the rules for each location before every flight.