Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) creates Class B controlled airspace covering most of eastern Union County, severely restricting recreational drone flight without LAANC authorization. Elizabeth, Linden, Hillside, Union, Kenilworth, and Roselle lie largely within EWR's Mode C veil (30 nm) and Class B shelf. Union County Parks Department prohibits drone launches in all county parks without permit. FAA TRUST test required. Drones over 0.55 lbs must be FAA-registered. NJ does not have statewide drone preemption.
Recreational drones in Union County face extraordinary airspace constraints due to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The Class B airspace around EWR extends from the surface to 7,000 ft MSL and covers much of eastern Union County including portions of Elizabeth (where EWR is partially located), Linden, Hillside, Union, Kenilworth, Roselle, Roselle Park, Rahway, and Cranford. Recreational flight in Class B airspace requires LAANC authorization through FAA-approved apps (Aloft, KittyHawk, etc.) or manual FAA coordination; many EWR-adjacent grids are zero-altitude grids where LAANC cannot approve flights. The Mode C veil (30 nautical miles from EWR) covers all of Union County and requires ADS-B compliance for certain operations. Federal rules (49 U.S.C. §44809) require TRUST test completion and registration for drones over 0.55 lbs. Union County Department of Parks and Recreation prohibits drone takeoff and landing in all county parks (Watchung Reservation, Lenape Park, Echo Lake Park, Warinanco, Nomahegan, Rahway River Parkway) without special permit. Elizabeth Code does not additionally restrict drones but prohibits use in city parks under general park rules. Plainfield and Summit park rules similarly prohibit recreational drone operation. Railroad property (NJ Transit Northeast Corridor, Raritan Valley Line) prohibits overflight.
FAA airspace violations near EWR: $1,000 to $27,500 civil penalty, potential criminal charges under 18 U.S.C. §32. Unauthorized park operation: $100 to $500 per county park system. Operating without Part 107 for commercial use: FAA fines up to $32,666. Interference with aircraft: federal felony up to 1 year imprisonment.
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