Drone Filming Regulations In New York City

The use of drones has completely transformed the filmmaking industry in New York City.

This technology captures unique aerial footage, highlighting the beauty and compelling scenery within New York City (NYC). However, filmmaking within NYC is heavily regulated to ensure safety and minimize the chances of accidents. Therefore, all filmmakers using drones within this city must understand these regulations or risk breaking the law. As an experienced marketer and filmmaker, I believe this article should help you successfully navigate through the drone filming regulations in NYC. It should help you understand key regulation elements, permit requirements, exceptions, non-compliance consequences, and drone filmmaking best practices.

Understanding the Drone Filming Regulatory Landscape in NYC

Drone filming regulations in the US are broken down into local, state, and federal guidelines. At the national level, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guides drone use. Local and state regulations provide further requirements, covering airspace management, public safety, and privacy concerns. New York City is a densely populated location with a complex airspace, making drone operations challenging.

In particular, NYC has multiple helicopter paths and airports, making it one of the busiest airspaces in the world. The reality of this city’s air activity makes drone filming operations quite complex. “New York City probably has the stringent regulations in the country, and it is important to adhere to the same if you want to avoid fines, confiscations of your drone or arrest,” says Noel Maimu, producer at one of the drone filming and social media production companies in NYC, Sinematic. 

Key Regulations for Drone Filming

Highlighted below are essential local regulations that are critical for drone filing in NYC.

FAA Requirements for Filming in New York 

Part 107 of the FAA specifies key requirements for commercial drone use for filmmaking and other activities.

• Drone Registrations: The FAA requires you to register any drone that weighs more than 0.55 pounds. The registration number for all registered drones should be written on each drone.
• Pilot Certification: All drone operators are required to have a Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. Passing this certification ensures operators understand emergency procedures, the effect of weather on drones, and airspace classifications.
• Airspace Restrictions: Due to the presence of airports like JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia, the airspace in New York City is categorized as Class B, making it mandatory for drone owners to acquire special approval from the FAA before use.
• Operational Limitations: Drones for filming must be used during the day and kept within visual line-of-sight. These flying objects must not fly over vehicles or people. In addition, these drones must not exceed 100 mph and 400 feet high.
  

New York City Local Regulations for Drone Filming 

NYC provides additional regulations that govern take-off and landing restrictions and privacy concerns.

• Drones cannot randomly take off or land except at airports or helipads. As such, you must possess unique permission to use drones for filming within NYC.
• Filming people without their consent in New York City bridges privacy and can be considered illegal.

Exceptions and Permits for Drone Filming in NYC

Although there exist stringent measures when using drones for filming, there are some exceptions and permits that allow operation in some specific conditions.

Film Permit

To film with a drone, you must obtain a permit from the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). Once you have this permit, you must coordinate with the FAA and the New York Police Department (NYPD) to secure permissions before using a drone for filming. When applying for the film permit, you must outline the times, dates, and locations of filming. Coordinating with the FAA and NYPD should help secure access for filming in controlled airspaces and provide additional conditions for public safety.

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Part 107 Waivers

If you intend to film at night, you must obtain Part 107 waivers. In addition, obtaining these waivers should allow you to fly a drone over people and beyond your visual line of sight. Yet, operators must be licensed and demonstrate their ability to safely operate drones without endangering the public.

Private Properties and Public Parks

You can use a drone to film on private property once you have the owner’s consent while following all other requirements. However, you can use drones in public parks only with permission from the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with drone filming regulations in NYC can lead to many problems and consequences as highlighted below.

• Violating one or more drone filming guidelines in New York City can lead to legal action or fines especially due to property damage, privacy invasion, or injury to people. Endangering the lives and properties of people can lead to criminal charges. You may get a fine of at least $1,000 if you takeoff or land a drone without an appropriate permit.
• The FAA can fine you up to $27,500 if you violate drone operation limits or fly it without authorization in restricted airspaces. This agency may pursue criminal action if violations are determined to be deliberate.

Best Practices for Drone Filmmakers

As a drone filmmaker, you can easily avoid the non-compliance consequences by adhering to the following best practices for drone filmmaking.

• Ensure you learn and understand Federal and NYC regulations for filming with drones in NYC. Particularly, you will want to understand all the guidelines of Part 107, relating to take-off and landing.
• Depending on your project, ensure you obtain the necessary Part 107 waivers and other relevant permits from MOME. Likewise, you may need to coordinate with the FAA and NYPD to gain authorization to access the city’s airspace.
• Consider working with consultants who understand the regulations involved in filming with drones in NYC. Better yet, hire professional video production companies in NYC such as Sinematic for your drone services and smooth handling of drone permits.
• Carefully select the right filming locations with fewer regulatory problems. For example, you should consider choosing a private property to reduce the requirements you will need to fulfill.
• Always maintain a safe distance from property and people to reduce the risks of accidents.

Conclusion

Filmmaking with a drone in New York City is not a straightforward process, and there are issues with permits, locations, privacy concerns and safety. There are several key regulations you need to know before getting started. However, some exceptions and permits allow you to film under specific guidelines. Failure to adhere to drone filming requirements can lead to fines or possible legal action. Following the best practices for drone filmmaking can reduce the possibility of non-compliance. When in doubt Similarly, working with Sinematic should help you with filming or ease your drone permit processing.