Heckscher State Park

Two fields. One community.

Field 1 for electric flying February 1 through September 11. Field 8, electric and gas, for the rest of the year.

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Heckscher State Park, Long Island

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Heckscher State Park, East Islip, NY — get directions.

Sep 12–Dec 31

Field 8 parking lot (east)

Electric and gas-powered aircraft · Park open until sunset

Feb 1–Sep 11

Field 1 ball field

Electric aircraft only · 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Flightline standard

Club field rules

  1. 01Pilots must hold current AMA membership and a valid New York State Parks model aircraft permit.
  2. 02Display required permits and identification while flying, and follow all posted park instructions.
  3. 03Use the designated flightline, pit area, and spectator area; complete a preflight check before every launch.
  4. 04Keep aircraft within visual line of sight and yield immediately to all full-scale aircraft.
  5. 05Use a spotter whenever conditions, aircraft type, or nearby activity make one helpful.
  6. 06Do not fly over people, parking areas, roadways, buildings, wildlife, or outside the approved flying area.
  7. 07Fly only during park hours and within the operating times printed on your current permit.
  8. 08Field 1 ball field is available February 1 through September 11, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM for electric aircraft only.
  9. 09Field 8 parking lot (east) is available September 12 through December 31, 2026, during daylight hours while the park is open, for electric and gas-powered aircraft.
  10. 10Keep models, transmitters, batteries, and fuel safely contained in the pit area when not flying.
  11. 11Use safe battery charging practices and never leave charging batteries unattended.
  12. 12Gas operations must follow current sound, fire-safety, and field-specific requirements. Turbine-powered aircraft are not permitted at the field.
  13. 13FPV pilots must follow current FAA and AMA visual-observer requirements.
  14. 14New pilots are encouraged to fly with a club instructor until they are comfortable and cleared for solo operation.
  15. 15Announce takeoffs, landings, dead-stick approaches, and anyone entering the runway.
  16. 16Retrieve a downed model only after notifying other pilots and confirming the flightline is safe.
  17. 17Pets must remain controlled and clear of the flightline, pits, and aircraft.
  18. 18Children and guests are welcome and should remain with a responsible member in spectator areas.
  19. 19Remove all equipment, debris, damaged parts, and batteries when leaving the field.
  20. 20Respect other park visitors, members, wildlife, and the natural surroundings.
  21. 21No flying while impaired or when weather and visibility make safe control uncertain.
  22. 22A maximum of three aircraft may be aloft at one time.
  23. 23Report injuries, property damage, lost aircraft, or significant safety incidents to a club officer promptly.
  24. 24Club officers or park staff may pause flying whenever conditions require it.
  25. 25Current park permit terms, AMA safety guidance, FAA rules, and posted field notices always take precedence.

This page is a convenient summary. The current New York State Parks permit and posted rules control park access and operation.