Whenever possible, choose a location in uncontrolled airspace — it’ll save you time, money, and headaches. (We can help you find that!) But when the shot demands a restricted location, you need a team that knows how to navigate the red tape. At Yeah Drones!, we’ve worked with federal agencies, city governments, and private entities to secure permits for productions that seemed impossible. The key is knowing the process and starting early.
That said, not every location is drone-friendly. While we can secure approvals for most operations, the real challenge is how long that process will take — and whether your production timeline can wait. Whenever possible, tangling with bureaucracy is not in your best interest. Many agencies simply don’t move at the speed of production.
Here are some of the toughest locations to get drone approvals — and what you need to know:
1. Military Bases and Installations
Deemed permanent “no-drone zones” by the Department of Defense (DoD), flying near or over military facilities is almost always prohibited due to national security concerns. Even attempting to get permission requires coordination with the installation commander, and approvals are extremely rare and slow-moving.
2. National Parks and Monuments
The National Park Service (NPS) banned drones within national parks back in 2014. Their concerns: wildlife disruption, visitor safety, and preserving the natural ambiance. While there are exceptions — like scientific research or search and rescue missions — these require Special Use Permits that are notoriously difficult to obtain. Expect a long lead time and a high rejection rate.
3. Critical Infrastructure & Security-Sensitive Airspace
The FAA restricts drone flights near sensitive facilities such as nuclear power plants, major dams, and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. These airspace restrictions prohibit drone operations up to 400 feet above ground level. The red tape here is heavy, and approvals are rare unless you’re working on a government-sanctioned project.
4. Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
TFRs are issued for events like major sporting events, wildfires, presidential movements, and emergency response situations. These are dynamic and can pop up with little notice. Flying within a TFR without explicit FAA authorization is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties.
5. Prisons and Correctional Facilities
Many states have laws banning drone flights near correctional facilities, with hefty fines for violations. These restrictions are designed to prevent contraband deliveries to inmates, and authorities take them seriously. Even legitimate film productions face significant hurdles getting access.
6. Designated Wilderness Areas
Congress has designated certain wilderness areas to remain in a pristine, untouched state — which means no drones. These bans are enforced to protect the environment and the natural experience. Unlike national parks, wilderness areas rarely offer exceptions for film work.
7. Flying in NYC (The Five Boroughs)
Flying drones in New York City is extremely challenging. The combination of dense airspace, multiple overlapping jurisdictions, and strict NYPD enforcement makes it one of the hardest places in the world to fly. When possible, shoot outside the city limits and use longer lenses to keep the skyline in frame without the regulatory nightmare.
Plan Early & Work with Professionals
When it comes to drone shoots in restricted areas, success comes down to two things: early planning and working with professional outfits (like Yeah Drones!) that understand the bureaucratic maze. Permits are possible in many cases, but they rarely move at production speed. The earlier you start the process, the better your chances of approval.
At Yeah Drones!, we specialize in navigating these challenges so your production stays on schedule and compliant. Don’t let red tape ground your vision — reach out early and let’s get your aerials cleared for takeoff.