Environmental Monitoring in Rochester, NY

Airports & LAANC Zones

• ROC — Greater Rochester International Airport (Class C airspace, located within city limits approximately 4 NM southwest of downtown — medium-hub commercial airport serving the Finger Lakes region; LAANC available)
• DSV — Dansville Municipal Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 40 NM south — uncontrolled GA airport serving Livingston County; no LAANC required but check NOTAMs)
• GVQ — Genesee County Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 35 NM west — uncontrolled GA airport; no LAANC required)
• SDV — Sodus Airpark (private/restricted airspace, approximately 25 NM east — small GA facility; check restrictions before operating)
• RJE — Williamson-Sodus Airport (Class E airspace, approximately 30 NM east — uncontrolled GA airport near Lake Ontario shoreline; check for low-altitude traffic)

Restricted Airspace

• Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) has Class C airspace with a 5 NM radius surface area and outer shelf extending to 10 NM. The Class C covers most of Rochester, Brighton, Gates, Greece, and Henrietta. Commercial drone operations within the ROC Class C lateral boundaries require LAANC authorization. ROC is the primary commercial airport for the Finger Lakes region with significant passenger, cargo, and corporate aviation traffic. The airport is located within Rochester city limits, meaning many downtown and suburban drone operations fall within Class C boundaries.
• Lake Ontario shoreline north of Rochester has moderate military and Coast Guard helicopter traffic. The Air National Guard 174th Attack Wing, based at Hancock Field in Syracuse, occasionally operates training missions over Lake Ontario and the Rochester region. Drone operators flying near the Lake Ontario waterfront (Charlotte neighborhood, Irondequoit Bay, and Durand-Eastman Park) should maintain situational awareness of low-altitude military helicopter traffic.
• The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor runs through Rochester along the Genesee River and historic canal paths. While the corridor itself does not impose flight restrictions, commercial drone filming of Erie Canal historic structures and the Genesee River waterfall system (including High Falls and the Genesee River gorge) may require coordination with the New York State Office of Parks and the Rochester Preservation Board. The Erie Canal and Genesee River are managed by multiple agencies including the NYS Canal Corporation and the City of Rochester.
• The University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campuses have restricted drone policies. The University of Rochester operates an FAA-approved drone research program and has designated flight areas. Commercial operators conducting aerial imaging projects on or near campus property should coordinate with campus security and the institution's drone program managers. RIT also operates drone research facilities and has specific campus drone policies.
• The Seneca Park Zoo and the Monroe County Parks System (including Highland Park, Cobb Hill, and Ontario Beach Park) require authorization from the Monroe County Parks Department for commercial drone takeoff and landing. The Genesee Valley Greenway and the Genesee River gorge within Rochester are managed by multiple agencies and may require coordination for drone filming of the waterfalls and gorge landscape.

Local Ordinances

Rochester is governed by New York state drone law (NY Penal Law 250.55) and FAA Part 107 regulations. The City of Rochester requires a permit for commercial drone takeoff and landing on city property, issued through the Rochester Department of Parks and Recreation. City parks including Highland Park, Genesee Valley Park, Maplewood Park, and Seneca Park require explicit permission for commercial drone operations. The Rochester Preservation Board must approve commercial drone filming of designated historic landmarks including the Susan B. Anthony House, the Eastman Museum, and historic High Falls industrial buildings. Monroe County parks (including Ontario Beach Park, Cobb Hill, and the Genesee Valley Greenway) require a commercial use permit from the Monroe County Parks Department. Commercial drone filming for movies, TV, or advertising requires a film permit from the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Office. New York State parks require a permit under 9 NYCRR 375.1. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor has additional review requirements for filming historic canal structures. FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification is required for all commercial operations. LAANC authorization is required for flights within ROC Class C airspace boundaries, which covers most of the Rochester metro area.