Where to Fly a Drone in NJ
If you’re planning to fly a drone in New Jersey, it’s important to know where you can legally do so. While there are certain airspace restrictions and drone regulations in place, there are still plenty of places where you can safely and legally fly your drone. One of the best places to fly a drone in New Jersey for the first time is at a designated flying field. These flying fields often have plenty of open space and clear visibility, making them ideal for learning to fly a drone safely and legally.
Another great option for flying drones in New Jersey is at public parks and beaches. It’s important to note that some parks and beaches may have additional restrictions in place (such as Sandy Hook State Park), so be sure to check local regulations before taking off. While flying at parks, be mindful of park-goers and ensure that you’re flying your drone in a safe and responsible manner. It is illegal to fly your drone over people if it ways over 250g’s so if you are flying at the beach, make sure you are safely over the water and not hovering over people.
If you’re looking to capture some amazing footage of the New York skyline, there are some areas in Hudson county that you can safely fly from including Jersey City and Hoboken. Just be aware that Hudson county and northern NJ have very congested airspaces so flying is limited in these areas due to a variety of International airports like Newark and Laguardia.
With the increasing number of drones flying in the sky, it’s important to understand the regulations surrounding their operation, especially when it comes to flying drones legally in New Jersey. In the US, drones are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA is responsible for regulating airspace, whether you’re flying a plane or a drone.
When it comes to airspace restrictions, the FAA has several rules in place. Drones are not allowed to fly higher than 400ft above ground level (or the highest structure in some locations), and must always remain within line of sight of the operator. Additionally, drones are not allowed to fly within 5 miles of an airport or heliport without first obtaining permission from the airport. As you’ll see below, it’s possible to have permission granted to fly within a 5mile radius using programs like LAANC.
If you plan on using your drone for commercial purposes, such as aerial photography or surveying, you will need to obtain a Part-107 license. To receive a license, you must pay an initial fee and pass a knowledge test with a score above 70%.
The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is a system that enables drone operators to apply for automated airspace approval to fly their drones in certain areas. The system was developed by the FAA in collaboration with industry partners, and it is designed to streamline the approval process for drone flights.
To apply for automated airspace approval through LAANC in New Jersey, you will need to use an approved LAANC vendor. These vendors have been authorized by the FAA to provide automated airspace approvals for drone flights. There are several vendors to choose from including AirMap, Skyward and Kittyhawk.
To use LAANC you will need to create an account with one of the approved vendors. Once you have an account, you can use the vendor’s online portal or mobile app to apple for automated airspace approval. You’re then required to provide information about your drone, including its weight and capabilities, as well as information about your flight such as location, duration and altitude.
Once you submit your application, LAANC will automatically review your request and determine if it can be approved. Venders have maps like the ones you see below, where you can accurately see the auto-approval altitudes. If your request is approved, you will receive an airspace authorization in the form of a digital certificate. This certificate will contain information about your flight and is valid for a specific period of time. This certificate can allow you to fly in areas that otherwise may be restricted.
