Legal Drone Shots in New York City: 4 Things You Need to Know to Get a NYPD Drone Permit Approved in NYC

A DJI Inspire 3 X9 drone prepares to fly legally near the United Nations. One of Airborne's many legally permitted flights in New York City.

This year was not just a groundbreaking year for Airborne, but a groundbreaking year for every drone cinema company in the dynamic and constantly changing drone industry. After drone flights became legal in New York City in late 2023, producers rejoiced that the safest and most effective way to capture breathtaking aerial imagery was now legal in New York City. Through a close relationship with our partners at the FAA and NYPD, Airborne led the charge for permit approval in NYC. 

Drone Camera Operator Brandon Hower prepares for a NYPD permitted drone flight from Brooklyn to capture legal aerial shots of the Manhattan Skyline

Airborne forged relationships with high-ranking municipal officials in New York City across multiple city agencies, including the NYPD, in order to secure the complex permits required to fly legally. NYC drone permits were new in 2024, and Airborne’s permit experts were among the first drone cinema companies to obtain NYPD Drone Permits. Having an understanding of how to obtain FAA approval and NYPD approval quickly and effectively gives  Airborne a strategic advantage over our competitors. Our FAA-licensed drone pilots and production coordinators work closely with our client’s extraordinarily talented production teams and/or locations department in order to secure the permits needed to fly! Here are four things to know before you fly a drone in New York:`

1. Safety Considerations - Having a safe flight plan is the key to quick permit approval! The MOST important factor our FAA Licensed Drone Pilots consider when flying on any set is safety. The NYPD and FAA share this concern, and ensuring that a flight can be conducted safely is absolutely necessary for permit approval. It is important to consult with an experienced Drone Cinema Company as soon as a drone shot comes into the conversation so that our expert drone pilots can draft a safe and effective flight plan. 

2. Timeline  – When it comes to getting permits approved, the more time you have is always better. However, Airborne Studio’s Production Coordinators can often expedite your permit on short notice. 

3. Location  – While Airborne can provide aerial drone video services almost anywhere, certain locations require a higher level of detail when it comes to flight planning and NYPD & FAA Permit Approval. It is important to consult with an experienced drone vendor such as Airborne Studios when scouting potential locations that could require drone work. 

   
   

Drone Selection -  Airborne Studios has a wide selection of drone cinema camera options to choose from. Our drone camera fleet includes DJI Mavic Cine 3s, DJI Inspire 3 X9, M600 Heavy Lift, and FPV drones that can carry anything ranging from a Red Kamoto to GoPros.  Each drone has its unique affordances, and it’s important to have an experienced team of drone operators to recommend the best drone to not only execute your team's creative vision but also to ensure permit approval. There are many situations where FAA and NYPD officials will often approve one model of drone but not another. Airborne Studio’s full fleet of drones will ensure that you can get your shot legally and effectively no matter the situation!