In this article, we’ve scouted out the best places to fly a drone in Delaware.
Delaware is a fantastic location to fly your drone since it has a stunning coastline, lots of history and culture, and natural beauty. Delaware may be the second-smallest state in the US, but it more than makes up for it with its lovely beaches, magnificent public parks, and quaint old villages.
Every town and city in the state of Delaware is distinct and different, with delicious food, exciting nightlife, or a relaxing atmosphere—each with something different to offer. Its beaches are sunny and ideal in the summer; its parks are lovely all year; and its parks are the pinnacle of natural beauty.
In this article, I will reveal to you where to fly your drone in Delaware, as well as where it is permitted and not permitted by the law to fly a drone. I will also offer regulatory guidance to assist you in maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
Regulations In Delaware
The federal drone laws governing drone operations in Delaware, which were created by the Federal Aviation Administration, classify drone operations as either recreational or commercial.
Federal Regulations In Delaware
Recreational drone pilots are subject to the FAA rules for recreational flyers, which require them to register their drones if they weigh more than 250 g and complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before they can operate their drone for recreational purposes in the United States of America.
Commercial drone pilots are subject to FAA rules for commercial pilots, which require them to follow The Part 107 regulations, complete a multiple-choice exam, and earn a drone pilot certification from the FAA before they can operate their drone for commercial purposes in the United States of America.
When flying within five miles of an airport, drone pilots are no longer needed to independently contact air traffic control. Instead, to obtain airspace authorization to fly in regulated airspace near and above numerous airports, both commercial and leisure fliers can use the automated LAANC system. You must apply for airspace authorization if you are operating in Class B, C, D, or E regulated airspace. In areas where LAANC is not available, you can use the FAA Drone Zone or LAANC.
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.
State and Local Regulations In Delaware
Here is an in-depth guide to the drone laws in Delaware that we put together. Be sure to check them out to see the state and local drone laws you need to adhere to in Arkansas. You should always exercise sound judgment when in doubt and adhere to the FAA’s regulations.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice and is solely provided for informative reasons. If there is anything we missed or if you have any further questions, please contact us at info [at] droneller [dot] com, and we will do our best to assist you.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Dover, Delaware
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Dover, Delaware. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Bennett’s Pier Beach
39.0320523, -75.35952
In terms of beaches, Bennett’s Pier Beach is not very noteworthy. There isn’t much to do here but take a peaceful stroll as there are no utilities or businesses. Fortunately, this also means that there aren’t often many people at the beach. This is advantageous for drone operators who wish to operate their aircraft in peace and away from curious onlookers.
2. Big Oak County Park
417 Big Oak Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, United States
Big Oak County Park is a 90-acre tract that is bound on the west, north, and south by SR1 (Exit 114, South Smyrna Exit) and Big Oak Road. It spans 40 acres that the Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation has leased for educational and recreational use in the fields of space and earth science.
A large open area in the park is ideal for drone flights. Be aware that you must apply for a special use permit in order to operate a drone in Big Oak County Park, but that this service is free of charge.
3. Fork Branch Nature Preserve
2373 Kenton Rd, Dover, DE 19904, United States
The Fork Branch Nature Preserve, a well-liked hiking location, is one of the few locations in Dover that is free of restricted airspace. Finding a suitable location to launch your drone should be simple due to the trail’s relative flatness through the forest.
Be aware that there are many birds in certain spots and that the tree cover is dense in others. Flying your drone close to the road is advised to minimize frightening wildlife.
4. Silver Lake
Washington St, Dover, DE 19901, United States
Central Dover is home to Silver Lake, a sizable open space. You may launch your drone securely in any number of public spaces near the lake that are used as parks, picnic areas, or walking paths. However, there isn’t much open land beyond the lake, so you need to be confident maneuvering your drone over the surface of the water.
5. Moores Lake
39.1266401, -75.5251676
Moores Lake is considerably less crowded and smaller than Silver Lake. There aren’t many places to launch or land a drone around the lake because it is largely covered by woods. The major draw of this location for aerial photography, though, is the lake’s reflection of the trees. Moores Lake looks beautiful in images taken after dusk.
6. Kesselring County Park
1683 New Burton Rd, Dover, DE 19904, United States
The nearby Kesselring County Park has vast fields ideal for drone flights and a small lake for water photography. The park provides many alternatives for where you may fly and the kinds of pictures you can take thanks to a significant road cutting through it and a number of walking paths. Similar to Big Oak County Park, Kesselring County Park likewise needs a special use permit in order to operate drones.
Best Places To Fly A Drone In Wilmington, Delaware
Here are my top recommendations for where to fly a drone in Wilmington, Delaware. These places were chosen because of their accessibility, airspace constraints, and tourist attractions.
1. Banning Regional Park
102 Middleboro Rd, Wilmington, DE 19804, United States
Banning Regional Park, located in Wilmington, Delaware, has a lot of side attractions like hiking trails, picnic spots, a baseball diamond, and more, which you can engage in after shooting drone footage.
Drone operators might profit from the views of the twisting rivers and the vast landscapes. We recommend flying your drone early in the week rather than on weekends, because this park can get quite crowded on weekends.
2. Delaware Memorial Bridge
I-295 &, Route 9, Wilmington, DE 19801, United States
The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a dual-span suspension bridge crossing the Delaware River. The toll bridges connect Delaware and New Jersey as well as carrying Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 40.
Aerial photography is a great way to capture the bridge itself, especially if you can get sunlight reflecting off the river. Due to the steady flow of traffic crossing the bridge, it’s also a unique location for night photography.
3. Dupont Building
1007 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19899, USA
The DuPont Building, which occupies the entire block and is bound by 10th, 11th, Orange, and Market streets, was one of the first high-rises in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. It looks out over Rodney Square. The building was built in phases, with the original building constructed in 1908 fronting Rodney Square.
Take care to avoid flying over moving traffic; the open space right in front of the DuPont Building should give you a good take-off spot for capturing aerial shots of the surrounding buildings.
Final Thoughts On Where To Fly A Drone In Delaware
So there you have it: the best places to fly a drone in Delaware!
I hope you have a great time exploring the beautiful landscape of Delaware from above. You can also check out where to fly a drone in other states and cities in the United States.
Always remember to obey the federal, state, and local drone laws in Delaware to avoid having issues with the law and authorities.
And don’t forget to share this article with a friend and other drone pilots who will benefit from this information using the share icons below.
