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

In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Providence, Rhode Island.

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

Providence Drone Laws — Recreational vs. Commercial

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

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

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

225 India St, Providence, RI 02903

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.817476&long=-71.391245

India Point Park is located where the Seekonk River meets the harbor in Providence, Rhode Island. It gets its name from its rich maritime history that connected shipping from Providence to the East and West Indies. The area was the first port in Providence dating back to 1680, the property was converted to a public park in 1974. The point features breathtaking views of the harbor with the surrounding city landscape providing a nice backdrop. Drone pilots will appreciate the scenic views and the frequent travel of boats throughout the harbor.

Source: Timothy Burling

2 — Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy

Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.811772&long=-71.465888

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy is a park in Providence, Rhode Island that is home to the tallest hill in the city. It consists of 88 acres, with the hill standing tall over the area at 296 feet. This is a great location to get away from the busy city without ever actually leaving. Mature trees, ravines, freshwater springs, and various geological features are abundant throughout the property. Drone pilots will enjoy this charming location and the stunning picturesque views.

3 — Bridgham Farm

106 Miller Ave, Rumford, RI 02916

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.837763&long=-71.339115

Bridgham Farm is located along the James V Turner Reservoir, in Rumford, Rhode Island. The property is rich in history, the original owners received the land grant from King George III back in 1767. Today, the remaining farm field features a stunning view of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape. Drone pilots will enjoy the openness and quiet nature of this location.

4 — Governor John Notte Memorial Park

1801 Douglas Ave, North Providence, RI 02904

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.872845&long=-71.466883

Governor John Notte Memorial Park is located on the shore of Wenscott Reservoir in North Providence, Rhode Island. The park’s sand freshwater beach is a favorite among the locals. There is also a nice open green area that would be a great area for drone pilots to take-off from and land to get that picture-perfect shot of the reservoir. The upper reservoir cascades into the lower reservoir under a beautiful rustic bridge that really adds to the scenery.

5 — Scituate Reservoir

Scituate, RI

• Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
• Airspace Map: https://b4ufly.aloft.ai/?lat=41.787100&long=-71.600399

Scituate Reservoir is located just outside of Providence in Scituate, Rhode Island. It holds an astounding 39 Billion gallons of water and is the third-largest inland body of water in the state. The property around the reservoir is mostly undeveloped and covered with mature forests. The peaceful nature of the area makes it a great location for drone pilots who are looking to capture drone footage.

Source: thisisbossi