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The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Columbus (2024)

A list of the best places to fly your drone in Columbus, Ohio.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Columbus, Ohio.

If you live in (or are traveling to) Columbus, 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.

fly drone Columbus

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding Columbus, OH. Source: VFR Map

Columbus Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Columbus (or any city for that matter) is that under federal FAA regulations, you are either operating recreationally or commercially.

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 Columbus 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus

Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Columbus 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 — Bicentennial Park

233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215

Bicentennial Park is located on the eastern bank of the Scioto River in Columbus, Ohio. It features the Scioto Mile Fountain which spans an impressive 15,000 square feet. With over 1,000 water jets and a light show, it creates a truly stunning sight. The park also features incredible views of the downtown skyline and the Main Street Bridge. Drone pilots will appreciate the scenic views that surround the property.

4k Aerial Flyover Columbus, Ohio Downtown

2 — Battelle Riverfront Park

25 Marconi Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215

Battelle Riverfront Park is located on the eastern bank of the Scioto River in Columbus, Ohio. The expansive open green space is ideal for flying a drone. It was named after Ohio industrialist Gordon Battelle and features various monuments and memorials. The newly renovated park offers a beautiful view of the Discovery Bridge and the downtown area.

fly drone Battle Riverfront Park

Source: Another Believer

3 — Goodale Park

120 W Goodale St, Columbus, OH 43215

Goodale Park is located in the Victorian Village neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio. It has a rich history dating back to the Civil War. The park consists of over 32 acres and is filled with mature trees and features a charming pond. Drone pilots will enjoy the stunning Victorian homes that surround the property. The expansive area and the numerous attractions make this the perfect location for some great drone footage.

Flying Thru Goodale Park(Columbus Ohio)

4 — Scioto Grove Metro Park

5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123

Scioto Grove Metro Park spans over 620 acres and is located in Grove City, Ohio. It is one of the few parks that has a designated drone field. The field provides a great place to fly and it is open to the public 365 days a year. Drone pilots will enjoy this scenic Scioto River bend area that features mature forests and bluffs. With seven miles of trails and various recreational activities, this property offers a little something for everyone to enjoy.

fly drone Scioto Grove Metro Park

Source: Dan Keck

5 — Dinneen Field (AMA)

5770 Africa Rd, Galena, OH 43021

Dinneen Field is an AMA field located on the southern end of the Alum Creek Reservoir in Galena, Ohio. The airfield is run and operated by the Westerville Model Aeronautics Association. It features a grass runway, concrete pad flying stations, and a sheltered area. However, the real attraction at this field is the picturesque views of the reservoir which spans five square miles. This location provides ample room to fly and the opportunity to capture that perfect shot.

fly drone Dinneen AMA

Source: Marda