FPV pilot dives Empire State Building in New York City

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An FPV pilot dives the Empire State Building in New York City, creating a stunning video in the process. However, many pilots will question if this drone flight was at all legal…

FPV pilot dives Empire State Building in New York City

New York City, especially Manhattan, is a sight to see. Numerous tourists flock to the Empire State Building every year to see the iconic building and incredible views from the rooftop deck. This year, we all get to experience the view from the rooftop deck in a whole new way.

One FPV pilot literally flew from street level to the top of the Empire State Building and back down again, right in midtown Manhattan.

After showing this recent drone video of FPV Pilot M. Matos to a few of my drone friends, the responses have been mixed. Some pilots love the perspective of the video and how it showcases the iconic building. Other pilots have become outright aggressive and angry when they watch the stunt.

YouTube video

Fpv Pilot Dives Empire State Building In New York City 1

Upset or awestruck after watching him dive the Empire State Building?

Part 107 pilots know how hard, if not impossible, it is to legally fly a drone in Manhattan. Drone pilots are wondering if the pilot received special authorization to fly, or if the video is further evidence of rogue drone pilots.

While it may be possible the drone pilot acquired authorization to fly, commercial pilots doubt the authorities would grant this type of flight. Will this drone pilot face any consequences if the flight was indeed illegal? New York has some of the most strict airspace in the entire country. And, New York City even has a decades-old law prohibiting any aircraft, including drones to take of and land anywhere within the city limits. Just ask George Steinmetz, he knows.

What do you think about this video in which an FPV pilot dives the Empire State Building in NYC? Let us know in the comments below.

An Fpv Pilot Dives The Empire State Building In New York City, Creating A Stunning Video In The Process. However, Many Pilots Will Question If This Drone Flight Was At All Legal...

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Haye Kesteloo
Haye Kesteloo

Haye Kesteloo is a leading drone industry expert and Editor in Chief of DroneXL.co and EVXL.co, where he covers drone technology, industry developments, and electric mobility trends. With over nine years of specialized coverage in unmanned aerial systems, his insights have been featured in The New York Times, The Financial Times, and cited by The Brookings Institute, Foreign Policy, Politico and others.

Before founding DroneXL.co, Kesteloo built his expertise at DroneDJ. He currently co-hosts the PiXL Drone Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, sharing industry insights with a global audience. His reporting has influenced policy discussions and been referenced in federal documents, establishing him as an authoritative voice in drone technology and regulation. He can be reached at haye @ dronexl.co or @hayekesteloo.

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