The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Hartford (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Hartford, Connecticut.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Hartford, Connecticut.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Hartford, 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 Hartford, CT. Source: VFR Map
Hartford Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Hartford (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 Hartford drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Connecticut. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Hartford. 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 Hartford
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Hartford 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 — Bushnell Park
- Airspace Class: Class D — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.765897&long=-72.678761
Bushnell Park is a large open green space located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut. Although it is not a part of the park, the Connecticut State Capitol Building towers over the park creating an incredible backdrop for drone footage. The charming pond and over 150 species of rare native trees offer a truly unique experience in the city. Drone pilots will enjoy the numerous historical buildings in the surrounding area and scenic views.
Source: Kenneth C. Zirkel
2 — Great River Park
301 E River Dr, East Hartford, CT 06108
- Airspace Class: Class D — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.760800&long=-72.662258
Great River Park is located along the banks of the Connecticut River in East Hartford, Connecticut. With over two miles of paved lighted walking paths, drone pilots will have no problem finding that perfect spot to launch their drone to capture incredible shots of the downtown skyline. The various bridges that extend over the river offer some unique point-of-interest filming opportunities.
Source: Elipongo
3 — Hartford Reservoir #6
3070 Albany Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.805402&long=-72.784580
Hartford Reservoir #6 is one of many water treatment facilities operated by the MDC in West Hartford, Connecticut. The chain of reservoirs consists of over 3,000 acres of forestland that is considered to be one of the most stunning landscapes in the area. Drone pilots who are looking for a serene experience will find that this is the perfect location for unique aerial imagery. To protect the drinking water supply, only certain areas of the property are designated for foot traffic. Please abide by all MDC regulations.
Source: GPA Photo Archive
4 — Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.629776&long=-72.815396
Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve is a nature preserve located in Berlin, Connecticut. The property features astonishing views of towering cliffs, thick forests, and winding nature trails that wrap around the numerous ponds and reservoirs. The summit stands at 761 feet tall and provides a panoramic view of central Connecticut. The natural beauty of this location is guaranteed to make it a favorite among drone pilots.
5 — Castle Craig
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.555549&long=-72.832344
Castle Craig is a stone observation tower that was built in 1900 atop the East Peak in Meriden, Connecticut. The peak which is apart of Hubbard Park has an elevation of 976 feet with the 32-foot tower built upon it. The observation deck features unparalleled views of the surrounding area that any drone pilot would like to have in their portfolio. In addition, the parks 1800 acres consist of a dense forest and the Merimere Reservoir.
Source: Lisa Jacobs