The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Houston (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Houston, Texas.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Houston, Texas.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Houston, 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 Houston, TX. Source: VFR Map
Houston Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Houston (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 Houston drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Texas. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Houston. 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 Houston
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Houston 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 — Dick Scobee Memorial Airfield
George Bush Park, Houston, TX 77082
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=29.724935&long=-95.693897
The Dick Scobee Memorial Airfield is located within George Bush Park, on the west side of Houston. The field has a paved runway that is 630 feet long and 80 feet wide. There is a separate area dedicated to RC helicopters and drones. A valid AMA membership is required to fly at the field. The property is near the Barkers Reservoir, which also includes the Buffalo Bayou. The wide-open space and natural scenery make it a great location for drone enthusiasts.
Source: JuWiki
2 — Lake Houston
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=29.979887&long=-95.146649
Lake Houston is a reservoir fed by the San Jacinto River located 15 miles from downtown. The lake serves as the main water supply for the entire city of Houston. Originally, Sheldon Lake was in the same area where the newer reservoir sits today. It was replaced in 1954 to create a larger body of water. The surface area of the water is 11,853-acres. Fishing, boating, and camping are popular recreational activities here. Drone pilots will appreciate the natural beauty of the lake and the wildlife. It should be noted that the lake’s western bank sits on the edge of Houston in Class B airspace. Always remain extra vigilant when operating near controlled airspace.
Source: ArtisticOperations
3 — Kemah Boardwalk
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=29.545959&long=-95.019799
The Kemah Boardwalk is built upon the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake. The entire amusement park sits on 60-acres. Various restaurants, rides, games, hotels, and attractions line the shores. The property was acquired and developed in 1997 and is considered one of the best boardwalks in the country. A 400-slip marina that feeds into Clear Creek and multiple shops are also located at the park. Sitting right on the Trinity Bay, this is a prime location for drone enthusiasts. It is important to note that this a high-traffic area; please follow the FAA regulations regarding flying over people.
Source: Texasbubba
4 — Texas Cloudbusters Airfield (AMA)
Jack Brooks Road, Hitchcock, TX, 77563
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=29.372604&long=-95.047446
The Texas Cloudbusters Airfield is located in Hitchcock, Texas. The property consists of a wide-open field with a large runway. There is also a covered sheltered area that is great when you need a break from the Texas heat. Drone pilots will appreciate the openness of the airfield and the mature trees that surround it.
Source: Google Maps
5 — Terramar Beach
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=29.123505&long=-95.070393
Terramar Beach is situated along the Gulf of Mexico and West Bay on Galveston Island. The beach is not a high traffic area. This provides endless opportunities for drone pilots looking to record the incredible views of the Gulf. The area is considered to be a hidden spot that is used for surfing. It should be noted that the beach is in close proximity to Galveston Class D airspace.
Source: Robert Thigpen
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Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Houston
If you’re new to drones or looking to take your flight skills to the next level, we offer hands-on drone flight training in the Houston area. Our classes start at 2-hours long, and our expert instructors walk you through what to do before, during and after your flight—you’ll practice intelligent flight modes and learn how to stay safe but also how to get the shots or data you need. During the class, you’ll also get a chance to ask questions about regulations, software, flight operations management, checklists and more.
Sign up for a hands-on drone flight training class in Houston.