Park Drone Restrictions: Albany vs Colonie

Can I fly my drone over Washington Park during the Tulip Festival?

No, not without a park permit. Both the city park rules and Albany International Airport's Class C airspace apply. You would need a Special Use Permit from the Department of General Services plus LAANC authorization from the FAA, and the city typically does not approve recreational drone flights during major festivals due to crowd-safety concerns.

Can I launch a drone from the sidewalk and fly over an Albany park?

The takeoff-and-landing rule applies only to launches from inside the park. A flight that launches from private property or a non-park public area and then overflies a park is not a park-rules violation, but you still need to satisfy FAA airspace rules — including LAANC for Class C airspace — and avoid people, vehicles, and emergency operations.

How do I get a drone permit for an Albany park?

Contact the City of Albany Department of General Services. They issue Special Event / Park Use Permits that can cover drone operations for filming, weddings, and events. You will typically need to show FAA Part 107 certification (for commercial work), proof of insurance, and a flight plan. Apply at least two to three weeks in advance.