New York City Drone Pilots & Operators
Professional Drone Services by
FAA Certified Drone Operators & Pilots for Film, TV, Streaming & Broadcast
Creative, Dynamic Aerial Cinematography in New York City, New York
Soaring Cinema provides FAA-certified drone pilots and operators in New York City, supporting film, television, streaming, broadcast and live event productions across NYC’s five boroughs and the greater New York metro area. We specialize in high-end, compliant drone operations in dense urban environments, controlled airspace and complex filming locations where precision, coordination, and experience are critical.
FAA Authorizations and Clearances for Drone Flights in New York City, New York
Soaring Cinema has clearances and authorizations to fly all across New York and beyond. We cover all operations with a $5 million liability insurance policy. All of our drone pilots are FAA-certified and we have clearances and waivers from the FAA to operate at night, over people and in Class B Airspace (Busy Airport Airspace.)
Soaring Cinema's FAA Part 107 Certified Drone Pilots
Our NYC drone pilots & operators are some of the best in the business! All of our operators have thousands of hours of experience in the industry. All Soaring Cinema Drone Pilots & operators are FAA Part 107 Certified and go through yearly recurrent training. Local 600 union crew and non-union crew available. At Soaring Cinema, we are always flexible, nimble, prepared for anything and are always able to blend in well with any production!
Professional Drone Operations in NYC
Drone operations in New York City require advanced planning, regulatory coordination and location-specific approvals. Our team is experienced working within Class B airspace, navigating proximity to JFK, LGA and EWR, and coordinating FAA authorizations, municipal approvals and production requirements for professional drone flights.
From Manhattan and Brooklyn to Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, Soaring Cinema approaches every NYC drone operation with thorough flight planning, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance to ensure safe, efficient aerial execution in one of the most complex operating environments in the country.
Our New York City Drone Platforms include:
DJI Inspire 3 drone with Zenmuse x9 camera
CinemaDNG, Apple ProRes Codecs
8k Full-Frame Camera
18, 24, 35, 50 & 75mm Lenses

Freefly Systems ALTA X Heavy Lifter drone
DJI Ronin 2 Gimbal
Freefly Systems MOVI Pro
Capable of flying Alexa Mini, RED Komodo, Sony Venice & more

FPV Drones
Multiple FPV Platforms
GoPro FPV Drone
Cinelifter FPV Drone for RED Komodo

More of our Los Angeles, California specialty drone operator & pilot gear can be found on our Gear page.
Why Productions Hire Soaring Cinema in New York City
New York City productions hire Soaring Cinema because we operate as a professional aerial department, not just a drone vendor.
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FAA Part 107-certified drone pilots
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Fully insured for professional film, television and broadcast productions
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Experience operating in dense urban and controlled airspace
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Expertise coordinating FAA authorizations and municipal approvals
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Advanced drone platforms for cinema, FPV and live broadcast
Our focus is delivering production-ready aerial coverage that integrates seamlessly into established film and broadcast workflows.
Soaring Cinema's FAA-Certified Drone Pilots & Operators' Reel
NYC Aerial Cinematography & Drone Services
Soaring Cinema provides a full range of professional drone services in New York City, including:
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Aerial cinematography for film and television
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Live broadcast drone operations for sports and events
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FPV drone cinematography for dynamic motion and action sequences
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Aerial lighting drone platforms
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Airspace authorization and regulatory coordination
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Night drone operations when approved
Each operation is designed to meet creative goals while maintaining strict safety and compliance standards.
Drone Cinematography Projects that we have Worked On
DODGE RAM
Alfa Romeo
Tom Fazio
Automotive Reel
Mercedes Benz
The Tiger Rising
Feature Film
Zac Brown Band
Remedy Pt. I
Zac Brown Band
Tomorrow Never Comes
Clif Bar
Zac Brown Band
Remedy Pt. II
The General with Shaq















FAA-Certified Drone Pilots for Film & Broadcast in New York City
All NYC drone operations are conducted by FAA-certified pilots following established safety protocols and industry best practices. We maintain professional aviation liability insurance and comply with network, studio, municipal and venue requirements for commercial drone operations.
Our workflows support:
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Feature films and television series
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Commercial productions and branded content
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Live broadcast environments
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High-value urban locations and populated areas
New York City, New York Drone Operator FAQs
Can you fly drones legally in New York City?
Yes. Commercial drone flights in New York City are permitted when operated by FAA-certified pilots who comply with federal regulations, controlled airspace requirements and applicable municipal approvals.
Do drone flights in NYC require special permits or approvals?
All drone flights in NYC require coordination with the FAA and approvals from relevant municipal agencies, property owners and/or production authorities depending on the location and scope of the operation.
Can you fly drones near airports or controlled airspace in NYC?
Drone operations near JFK, LaGuardia or Newark airports are within controlled airspace and require FAA authorization. Each flight is planned and approved in advance.
Are night drone flights allowed in New York City?
Night drone flights are permitted when conducted by FAA-certified pilots who meet night operation requirements and obtain proper authorization when required.
What insurance is required for drone operations in New York?
Professional drone operators typically carry aviation liability insurance that meets or exceeds municipal, venue and production requirements for commercial film and broadcast work.
Serving New York City and Beyond
In addition to NYC, Soaring Cinema provides FAA-certified drone operators in other locations, including (but not limited to) Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Denver, Miami, Los Angeles and nationwide for film, television, streaming and broadcast productions.
Explore our portfolio to see recent aerial cinematography projects or contact us to discuss your New York City production needs.












