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

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

If you live in (or are traveling to) Memphis, 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 Memphis, TN. Source: VFR Map

Memphis Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

The first thing to understand about flying a drone in Memphis (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 Memphis drone laws?

Here’s a guide we put together for drone laws in Tennessee. Make sure to consult that to see if there are any local drone ordinances you should follow in Memphis. 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 Memphis

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

830 Island Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

• Airspace Class: Class G —Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=35.168582&long=-90.055903

Greenbelt Park is a long green strip along the west side of Mud Island in Memphis, Tennessee. It is just a short drive over the AW Willis bridge and features a stunning view of the Mississippi River and the numerous islands on the river. The area is a favorite among locals for walking, biking, and watching the sun as it dips below the horizon. Drone pilots will enjoy its close proximity to downtown and the ample room for flying a drone.

Source: Gerrit Vollmer

2 — Robert R. Church Park

Memphis, TN 38103

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=35.138485&long=-90.048137

Robert R. Church Park is an open, eight-acre green area located in the Beale Street National Historic Register in Memphis, Tennessee. This location is perfect for a drone pilot who is looking for a panoramic view of the Memphis skyline. The park dates back to 1899 and was built to honor the first African American millionaire in Memphis, Robert R. Church. Historical buildings and monuments make this an ideal location for some great drone footage.

Source: Thomas R Machnitzki

3 — Martyr’s Park

Channel 3 Dr, Memphis, TN 38103

• Airspace Class: Class G/B — Uncontrolled/Controlled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=35.128839&long=-90.070590

Martyr’s Park is located along the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee. It features an open grass area and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. In addition, the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, Frisco Bridge, and the Harahan Bridge (also known as Big River Crossing) can all be seen from the park. At night, the crossing is lit with more than 100,000 LED lights that can be displayed in hundreds of configurations. The cars, people, and trains that traverse over the river help to create an incredible backdrop for any drone footage.

Source: Thomas R Machnitzki

4 — Shelby Farms Park

6903 Great View Drive North, Memphis, TN 38134

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=35.142926&long=-89.828687

Shelby Farms Park spans over 4,500 acres and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. It is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and offers something for everyone to enjoy. It features over 20 bodies of water, open fields, walking trails, and mature trees. The expansive property will be a favorite among drone pilots who are looking for beautiful scenery. It is important to note, there is an AMA club that flys to the south of Hyde Lake. Please always remain vigilant of other model aircraft/drones in the immediate area.

Source: Thomas R Machnitzki

5 — Poplar Tree Lake

910 Riddick Rd, Millington, TN 38053

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=35.306001&long=-90.062711

Poplar Tree Lake is located within the Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in Millington, Tennessee. The lake is surrounded by a variety of mature trees that give this location a remote feeling. With over 13,000 acres of forest area, there is plenty of space to fly a drone. The lake is an ideal spot for drone pilots who are looking to get away from the busy city without going too far.

Source: Tyrin Price

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Memphis

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 Memphis 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 Memphis.