The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Cleveland (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Cleveland, Ohio.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Cleveland, Ohio.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Cleveland, please use this page as a resource to better understand not just where to fly, but also where it’s legal and illegal to fly a drone. We provide guidance on regulations to help you stay compliant with both federal and local rules.
A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Cleveland, OH. Source: VFR Map
Cleveland Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Cleveland (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.
- Recreational drone pilots fall under the FAA’s recreational flyer rules, which are laid out here. Make sure your aircraft is registered and you complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), which are both required by the FAA.
- Commercial drone pilots fall under the FAA’s Part 107 regulations, which require passing a multiple-choice test and becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot. More information on the drone certification process over here.
Drone operators are no longer required to independently contact air traffic control when flying within five miles of an airport. Instead, both recreational and commercial flyers can use the automated LAANC system to request airspace authorization to fly in controlled airspace around and above many airports. If you’re operating in Class B, C, D, or E controlled airspace, you’ll need to request airspace authorization. You may do this through LAANC or through FAADroneZone in areas where LAANC is not available.
When we list locations below, we’ll share whether they sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace.
Get up-to-date airspace information, including temporary flight restrictions, using free apps like Aloft , Autopylot , or B4UFLY .
Interested in becoming an FAA-certified drone pilot so you can operate under the Part 107 regulations and make money flying your drone? Check out our industry-leading, online training course over at Drone Pilot Ground School.
So those are the federal rules.
But what about local Cleveland drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Ohio. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Cleveland. When in doubt, use good judgment and follow the FAA’s guidelines.
Note: The content on this page is meant for informational purposes only and is not meant to take the place of legal counsel. If we missed something, or if you have further questions, please send an email to support[at]horizonap[dot]com, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
Where to Fly a Drone in Cleveland
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Cleveland area. We selected these locations based on airspace restrictions, accessibility, and attractions. You’ll find that most of the locations we’ve chosen are located in uncontrolled, Class G airspace where you don’t need to request permission to fly. Additionally, we made sure to highlight any locations with designated sUAS/remote aircraft fields.
1 — Lakewood Park
14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.495555&long=-81.796537
Lakewood Park is located just outside of Cleveland, on the shores of Lake Erie in Lakewood, Ohio. It consists of 31 acres and features the Solstice Steps which are large steps the sit on the hillside overlooking the lake. The steps provide the perfect seat to watch the stunning sunsets and scenic views. Drone pilots will appreciate the openness of the park and the downtown skyline views off in the distance.
Source: Erik Drost
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2 — Warner Road Field (AMA)
4730 Warner Rd, Garfield Heights, OH 44125
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.431968&long=-81.635335
Warner Road Field is an AMA field that is located in Garfield Heights, Ohio. The airfield is run and operated by the Cleveland Radio Control Club. This large open field sits upon a hill which provides a nice vantage point to view the surrounding area. Mill Creek also runs adjacent to the property. Drone pilots looking to fly with other aviation enthusiasts will enjoy this location.
Source: Google Maps
3 — Horseshoe Lake Park
2701 Park Dr, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.482852&long=-81.558718
Horseshoe Lake Park is located just outside of Cleveland, in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It features a small lake that is surrounded by beautiful mature trees. Drone pilots will like the open green areas of the property. The scenic views of Horseshoe Lake create a picturesque setting that makes this an ideal location for drone footage.
Source: Annatha84
4 — Mile Long Pier
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.475122&long=-82.178046
The Mile Long Pier is located in Lorain, Ohio, and it extends out onto Lake Erie. It was originally built in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2007, it underwent a major restoration that gave the pier a classic boardwalk look and feel. It also includes a marina, making this location great for that picture-perfect shot. Off in the distance, the historic Lorain Harbor Lighthouse can be seen standing tall above the water. Drone pilots will appreciate the ample filming opportunities that this location presents.
Source: Rona Proudfoot
5 — La Due Reservoir
17759 Valley Rd, Auburn Township, OH 44023
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.382689&long=-81.203432
La Due Reservoir is located in Auburn Township, Ohio, and has an astounding surface area of 1,477 acres. It is apart of a wildlife area that spans 8,791 acres, this expansive area protects the east branch of the Cuyahoga River. The Reservoir is surrounded by large mature trees that make this a beautiful location for flying a drone.
