The 5 Best Places to Fly a Drone in Kansas City (2024)
A list of the best places to fly your drone in Kansas City, Missouri.
In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Kansas City, Missouri.
If you live in (or are traveling to) Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO. Source: VFR Map
Kansas City Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial
The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Kansas City (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 Kansas City drone laws?
Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Missouri. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Kansas City. 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 Kansas City
Alrighty—without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to fly a drone in the Kansas City 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 — Liberty Memorial Park
1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108
- Airspace Class: Class D — Controlled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.079559&long=-94.585601
Liberty Memorial Park is home to the Liberty Memorial Tower, which is located in Kansas City, Missouri. It was built to honor those who served during World War I. The tower is a true work of art and stands over the area at 217 feet tall. Guests can travel to the top to an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the city. Drone pilots will enjoy this spacious park and the various historic landmarks. It is important to note that The National WWI Museum and Memorial have put some drone rules into place. Please check out their website prior to your drone operation.
Source: Marshall Astor
2 — Jacob L. Loose Park
5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.031060&long=-94.593818
Jacob L. Loose Park is a 75-acre green space that is located in Kansas City, Missouri. It features a beautiful pond, tennis courts, and a Rose Garden. The park is popular among locals for its natural beauty and its rich history. It is the site of the Battle of Westport, this battle took place during the Civil War. The Rose Garden has around 4000 roses that include 168 different varieties. Drone pilots will enjoy the scenic views of this property and the various attractions.
Source: Robert Herschede
3 — Platte Landing Park
300 S Main St, Parkville, MO 64152
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=39.183636&long=-94.690095
Platte Landing Park is a relatively new park that is located in Parksville, Missouri. The 140 -acre property was purchased by the city in 2018. It features two miles of trails, an off-leash dog area, and a boat ramp. It offers a stunning view of the Missouri River and Kansas can also be seen from the park. The expansive property on the river makes this an ideal area for drone pilots to get out and fly their drones.
Source: Tim Kiser
4 — Minor Park
11103 Holmes Rd, Kansas City, MO 64131
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=38.920551&long=-94.570447
Minor Park was previously a 235-acre farm that was given to Kansas City, Missouri. This diverse property features the Old Red Bridge, a golf course, open fields, sports fields, and the Blue River that runs throughout the property. The trails that run alongside the river create a truly serene experience. This location creates ample opportunities for some incredible drone footage.
Source: Salexkc
5 — Charles W. Reed III Flying Field (AMA)
3581-3899 Rennau Dr, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=38.973787&long=-94.331718
The Charles W. Reed III Flying Field is located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. It is run and operated by the Kansas City RC Association and the 49th Mid-America Jumbo Squadron. The airfield sits adjacent to Lake Jacomo within Fleming Park. It features a paved and grass runway with sheltered areas and bleachers. The scenic views of the lake and open space create the perfect location for flying a drone.
