Although it’s the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island offers a lot of spectacular places to fly your drone. The state’s 400 miles of coastline is full of breathtaking beaches that are perfect for capturing from above. There’s a reason it’s nicknamed the “Ocean State,” after all.
But before you start flying your drone in Rhode Island, you should be familiar with all federal, state, and local drone flying regulations. Below, we’ll go over the basic Rhode Island drone laws, so you can be off to a good start.
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Drone Laws in Rhode Island - U.S. Federal Drone Laws
No matter where you fly in the U.S., you need to follow the drone flying regulations put out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For recreational flyers, this means passing The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), registering your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs, and following all the rules for recreational drone flying. These rules include keeping your drone at or below 400 ft. in controlled airspace and getting prior approval through Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).
NOTE: This article is purely for entertainment purposes only. It is the responsibility of the pilot to properly research, follow, and abide to all local, state, or federal aviation laws. FAA permission may be required for flight within these listed locations.
If you are a commercial drone pilot, you’ll need to follow the FAA’s Part 107 rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), pass a knowledge test, and register your drone with the FAA. Keep in mind, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old to become a commercial drone pilot, and the drone registration will cost you $5 and last 3 years.
Finally, flying drones in national parks and other lands run by the National Park Service (NPS) is illegal. In Rhode Island, these include the Blackstone River Valley Park, the Roger Williams Memorial, the Touro Synagogue, and the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route.
Local and State Drone Laws for Rhode Island
There are also some state and local drone laws you need to know. First of all, flying drones in state parks in Rhode Island is illegal without a special use permit. Usually, the state only gives out permits to film and news organizations.
Though Rhode Island allows state drone regulations to supersede any local UAS laws, there are some local and city ordinances you should definitely be aware of. For example, in the Town of Narragansett, you cannot fly drones over or within 500 ft. of the Town Beach during beach season, nor can you fly over public parks, roads, or public facilities during any of the town’s large venue special events.
Wherever you go in Rhode Island, double-check the local drone flying regulations. That way, you can rest assured that you’re following all the rules.
Now without further ado, let’s go over our top 7 picks of places to fly a drone in Rhode Island.
The Best Places to Fly a Drone in Rhode Island
Video Credit: Blue Mantle Films
1. Newport
First on our list is Newport. It’s a seaside city in the Narragansett Bay known for its sailing, harbors with yachts, and most especially its great Gilded Age mansions.
If you go down Bellevue Avenue, you’ll pass several mansions, including the Elms and The Breakers. The Breakers is a famous opulent mansion built in 1895 with Italian Renaissance-style architecture. It’s an incredible sight that only gets better from above. Use your drone to get an aerial view of the imposing mansion with the ocean in the foreground.
To get a better taste of Newport’s beaches, take your drone out on the famous 3.5-mile long Cliff Walk. Here, you can get some excellent panoramic views of the waves crashing onto the rocky beach on one side and the seaside mansions standing majestically on the other. The Cliff Walk is free and open to the public.
Newport also has a scenic 10-mile Ocean Drive you can drive down to find other good flying grounds. Keep an eye out for the former US Army post Fort Adams on the southern peninsula, but don’t fly too close as it’s part of the Fort Adams State Park. Besides it and Brenton Point State Park, Newport is in Class G airspace, so you can fly up to 400 ft. without any special restrictions.
Video Credit: nyahmusic
2. Watch Hill
Watch Hill is an affluent coastal village located on the south-western point of Rhode Island. We recommend checking out Napatree Point for some unforgettable views of the ocean from its round, sandy beach. It’s also a wildlife preserve where migratory birds come to rest, so be careful of birds when flying.
You can also check out the historical Watch Hill Lighthouse, which stands on another little peninsula opposite Napatree Point. The lighthouse is surrounded by a set of 5 buildings that together make for some nice aerial footage. You can also park here for free.
All of Watch Hill is in Class G airspace, so you’re free to fly your drone without any special approval.
Video Credit: Drewniversal Photography
3. Scituate Reservoir
If you want to get away from the ocean, check out Scituate Reservoir. With a surface that covers 5.3 square miles, it’s the largest inland body of water in Rhode Island. It also connects to 6 tributary reservoirs. The surrounding forests make Scituate Reservoir a scenic spot for getting drone footage. And if you come during a drought, you might even capture signs of former civilization where the water recedes. The site of the reservoir used to be home to 5 villages and Rockland Cemetery, which had 1,500 graves.
Again, the reservoir is in Class G airspace and open to drone flying.
Video Credit: The Mind of Jae
4. Providence
Providence is the biggest city in Rhode Island and the state capital. Just below the crest of Smith Hill, you’ll find the Rhode Island State House, a massive 235 ft. tall neoclassical building that dominates the Providence skyline. Viewed from above, it’s as impressive a structure as any.
Downtown, you can fly your drone over the large Kennedy Plaza and Burnside Park for some nice urban views. A little to the north, you’ll also find Waterplace Park on the Woonasquatucket River. It’s a bustling hub where you may see a festival or an art project taking place. Its urban waterside definitely makes for some cool drone shots. Or head along the landscaped Riverwalk to find any number of spots to launch your drone.
Finally, try recording the WaterFire sculpture on the Providence river at night. It’s a free public art installation that features burning braziers floating on water with relaxing background music. Capture this unique art display with your drone for some cool images and videos.
As for drone flying regulations, Theodore Francis Green State Airport (KPVD) is located just south of Providence. So some portions of the city are in class C airspace and require LAANC approval.
Video Credit: Windover Photography
5. Point Judith Lighthouse
Located on the westside of the Narragansett Bay entrance, you’ll find Point Judith Lighthouse. It’s an octagonal brick building from 1816. If you fly your drone here, you can get some great footage of the ocean waves crashing on the rocks in front of this iconic lighthouse.
Try coming at sunset to capture some scenes that are even more picturesque. Visitors are welcome every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s also in Class G airspace, so you can fly up to 400 ft. without needing special clearance.
Video Credit: nate gordon
6. Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs
Block Island is the hidden gem of Rhode Island. It’s located offshore, 9 miles south of the state, so you’ll need a ferry or boat ride to get there. But its sandy beaches and steep cliffs are definitely worth it.
We recommend flying your drone over the 150 ft. high Mohegan Bluffs on the south side of the island. Head down the wooden stairs to launch your drone from the beach or stay up on the clay cliffs to launch from there. Either way, you’ll get some majestic views of the ocean against the rocky bluffs and the green plateau above. It’s a beautiful site you won’t forget.
To record some more sandy beaches, fly your drone over Mansion Beach, Scotch Beach, or Crescent Beach on the east side of the island. There, you can catch the beautiful waves breaking on the soft sand.
Near the center of the island, you’ll also find the Great Salt Pond. Try flying your drone up high to capture the hundreds of boats docking here. Or head to the north of the island, where you’ll find the old North Lighthouse. Wherever you go, there are lots to explore.
Though Block Island is in Class G airspace, pilots should be aware that there is a small airport on the island called Block Island State Airport (KBID). So keep an eye out for flying aircraft.
Video Credit: Tim Dawes
7. Sakonnet River Channel Inlet
Sakonnet River Channel Inlet is part of the 13-mile-long Sakonnet River that runs from the Atlantic Ocean to Mt. Hope Bay. We recommend launching your drone from Teddy or Grimmel’s Beach along Park Avenue. That way, you can catch all the boat traffic passing through the busy inlet from an aerial view. It’s also in Class G airspace, so no special drone flying restrictions here.
Connecting with Drone Pilots in Rhode Island
So there you have it! The best places to fly a drone in Rhode Island. If you want to learn more, we recommend getting together with other drone enthusiasts in the state by joining an organization like the Rhode Island Drone Club on Facebook. That way, you’ll stay up to date on the latest Rhode Island drone news.
Or if you need some professional drone photography, try hiring a commercially licensed drone pilot. Here at The Drone Life, our professional drone pilots know all about Rhode Island drone laws and where to fly in the state. Feel free to explore our wide range of drone services and schedule a free one-on-one meeting with one of our drone experts today.
This article is purely for entertainment purposes only. It is the responsibility of the pilot to properly research, follow, and abide to all local, state, or federal aviation laws. FAA permission may be required for flight within these listed locations.
