Aerial Imagery in Albany, NY

Airports & LAANC Zones

• ALB — Albany International Airport (Class C airspace, approximately 7 NM northwest in Colonie — medium-hub commercial airport serving the Capital District; LAANC available)
• SCH — Schenectady County Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 8 NM northwest — joint civil-military airport with Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing C-130 and LC-130 ski-equipped aircraft; LAANC available)
• RME — Rome Griffiss International Airport (Class D airspace, approximately 90 NM west — former Air Force base with AFRL drone research and FAA UAS test site; LAANC available)
• PSF — Pittsfield Municipal Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 40 NM southeast in Massachusetts — uncontrolled GA airport; no LAANC required)
• OFP — South Albany Airport (private/uncontrolled airspace, approximately 8 NM south — small GA facility; check restrictions before operating)

Restricted Airspace

• Albany International Airport (ALB) has Class C airspace with a 5 NM radius surface area and outer shelf extending to 10 NM. The Class C covers Albany, Colonie, Guilderland, and parts of Troy and Latham. Commercial drone operations within the ALB Class C lateral boundaries require LAANC authorization. ALB is the primary commercial airport for the Capital District with significant passenger, cargo, and corporate aviation traffic. Downtown Albany is within the Class C outer shelf area.
• Schenectady County Airport (SCH) has Class D airspace with a 4 NM radius surface area, located approximately 8 NM northwest of Albany. The airport hosts the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, which operates C-130 Hercules and LC-130 ski-equipped aircraft for polar and military missions. The 109th Wing conducts heavy airlift training in the Capital District region, and drone operators in northwestern Albany and the town of Colonie should check SCH Class D boundaries and NOTAMs for military flight activity. LC-130 operations are unique to this unit.
• The New York State Capitol, Empire State Plaza, and state government complex in downtown Albany have enhanced security airspace considerations. While there is no permanent TFR over the state capitol, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are issued during high-profile government events, VIP visits, and National Guard deployments. Commercial drone operators flying near the state capitol, the Governor's residence, and state office buildings should check active NOTAMs and TFRs before each flight. The Albany FBI field office and federal courthouse also warrant airspace awareness.
• Watervliet Arsenal, located approximately 8 NM north of Albany on the Hudson River, is an active U.S. Army manufacturing facility producing tank cannon and artillery tubes. The arsenal has security restrictions on aerial photography, and commercial drone operators flying near the facility should coordinate with arsenal security. While there is no restricted airspace directly over Watervliet Arsenal, the facility is within the SCH Class D area and operators should check for military helicopter traffic from the arsenal.
• The Hudson River corridor north of Albany has moderate commercial and recreational traffic including barge traffic, recreational boats, and occasional helicopter traffic. The Albany-Rensselaer bridge area and the Port of Albany have commercial shipping and industrial traffic. Drone operators flying near the Hudson River waterfront, the Port of Albany, and the Albany rail yards should maintain situational awareness of low-altitude helicopter traffic from news, medevac, and State Police aviation units.

Local Ordinances

Albany is governed by New York state drone law (NY Penal Law 250.55) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Albany requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city property, issued through the Albany Department of Recreation. City parks including Washington Park, Lincoln Park, and the Corning Preserve (Hudson River waterfront trail) require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The Albany Heritage Area and historic districts (including the Mansion Historic District, the Pine Hills Historic District, and the Center Square Historic District) may require review from the Albany Historic Resources Commission for commercial drone filming of historic structures. Albany County parks (including the Albany County Rail Trail and Six Mile Waterworks) require a commercial use permit from the Albany County Parks Department. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires a film permit from the Capital Region Film Office. New York State parks require a permit under 9 NYCRR 375.1. The Empire State Plaza and State Capitol complex are state-managed property requiring authorization from the NYS Office of General Services for commercial drone operations. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within ALB Class C or SCH Class D airspace boundaries.