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

A list of the best places to fly your drone in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in New Orleans, Louisiana.

If you live in (or are traveling to) New Orleans, 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 New Orleans

A Sectional Chart of the airspace surrounding New Orleans, LA. Source: VFR Map

New Orleans Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

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

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

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

4401 Lennox Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70131

Brechtel Park consists of 110 acres and is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a favorite among locals who are looking to escape the city without going too far. The main feature of the property is the lagoon which is surrounded by open grassy areas and mature trees. There is also a wide variety of wildlife that frequents the park. It is important to note that this location sees fluctuations throughout the year of migratory birds. Always remain vigilant of the airspace around you to avoid interference with the birds.

fly drone Brechtel Park

Source: nola.agent

2 — Algiers Point

138 Morgan St, New Orleans, LA 70114

Algiers Point is located along the Mississippi River just outside of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. It features a phenomenal view of the city skyline that provides the perfect backdrop for any drone footage. Repeated ship traffic from the local ferry to large cargo boats adds more unique elements that truly make this an ideal location.

fly drone Algiers Point

Source: djnaquin67

3 — Laketown Fishing Pier

5050 Williams Blvd, Kenner, LA 70065

Laketown Fishing pier is located adjacent to the Treasure Chest Casino on Lake Pontchartrain in Kenner, Louisiana. The view of the pier with the lake in the background creates a picturesque setting that would look incredible from an aerial perspective. The open green space of the property provides ample room to get that picture-perfect shot.

fly drone Laketown Fishing Pier

Source: Bob Duran

4 — Fairview-Riverside State Park

119 Fairview Dr, Madisonville, LA 70447

Fairview-Riverside State Park is located just outside of New Orleans, in Madisonville, Louisianna. The Tchefuncte River runs through the property creating a scenic waterfront environment with large Cyprus and Oak trees. In addition to the scenery, there is a stunning Victorian home that is used as a museum, known as the Otis House. Drone pilots will also enjoy an aerial view of boats from the nearby marina as they navigate the river.

Mavic Air - Tchefuncte River / Lake Pontchartrain

5 — Fontainebleau State Park

62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70471

Fontainebleau State Park is just over 2,800 acres and is located along the northern shores of Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville, Louisiana. The property is the former site of a sugar mill that was built back in 1829. Old brick ruins and an old train track still run throughout the park which offers unique points-of-interest for drone pilots. The beautiful sandy beaches and the hundreds of sailboats on a clear day make this location perfect for flying a drone.

fly drone Fontainebleau State Park

Source: Edd Prince

Take a Drone Flight Training Class in Louisiana

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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans.