I just got my waiver granted yesterday to fly within class D airspace. I'm just testing the system by asking to fly my office. It took nearly 90 days, but they've given me a 10 day window to conduct the mission. I am to check in with ATC then check out when I'm finished. All calls I've attempted to ATC at multiple airports results in being told I have to go through the website.
I keep hearing they are trying to streamline the system, possible with a phone app for possible next day clearance. Sure hope so because I can't predict the weather 90 days out, nor can I predict what project I may be working on then.
I just put in a request for an authorization in Class E airspace about 5.5 miles south of a Class D towered airport. The location I am at is in line with their runway and I am asking for up to 300 feet AGL. We will see how it goes.
Tim Reed, post: 422913, member: 420 wrote: they've given me a 10 day window to conduct the mission. I am to check in with ATC then check out when I'm finished. All calls I've attempted to ATC at multiple airports results in being told I have to go through the website.
If you don't already have one you should get a handheld radio that transmits and receives on the ATC frequencies. The day before you fly file a NOTAM with the FAA, and right before you launch announce on the radio that you're commencing flight ops.
http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/avionics-and-radios/aviation-radios.html
Lee D, post: 423140, member: 7971 wrote: If you don't already have one you should get a handheld radio that transmits and receives on the ATC frequencies. The day before you fly file a NOTAM with the FAA, and right before you launch announce on the radio that you're commencing flight ops.
http://www.sportys.com/pilotshop/avionics-and-radios/aviation-radios.html
In my Part 107 training course, they told me specifically not to do that unless specifically instructed to do so in your waiver/authorization. Basically, I have heard that Air Traffic Control (ATC) doesn't want to deal with droners on the radio or the phone.
Bow Tie Surveyor, post: 423154, member: 6939 wrote: In my Part 107 training course, they told me specifically not to do that unless specifically instructed to do so in your waiver/authorization. Basically, I have heard that Air Traffic Control (ATC) doesn't want to deal with droners on the radio or the phone.
I think for the most part that you are correct. But we've been instructed specifically to be in communication with ATC when flying under Section 333 COA / LOA in the past. Our typical MO is to contact the airport in question and ask them what they want us to do. On the most recent one they told us exactly what you said, they don't want to be bothered. However, we'll still file a NOTAM and make a courtesy announcement when we commence and conclude ops.
At an airport with an operating tower I would say that is correct, ATC doesn't want you tying up their airwaves. On the other hand, if you're close to an airport with no tower I would think it would be wise to have a radio tuned to the local CTAF or Unicom freq. just to be aware of traffic entering and exiting the area. All pilots are supposed to be aware of NOTAMs but in reality even a short flight plan between two local airports might pull up 20 or more NOTAMs. As a pilot I know I would appreciate a heads up on the radio if I call out my intentions to land at on Rwy18 at XYZ airport and you are anywhere within a few miles of the airport. Your reminder that you are in the area will likely cause me to alter my flight path if possible to completely avoid your area.
In class E airspace that is shaded purple, 700 feet to 1200 feet AGL. You are cleared to fly a drone up to 400 feet AGL. Are you in a purple - class E area? Then you are not cleared to fly.
Stephen Ward, post: 423165, member: 1206 wrote: At an airport with an operating tower I would say that is correct, ATC doesn't want you tying up their airwaves. On the other hand, if you're close to an airport with no tower I would think it would be wise to have a radio tuned to the local CTAF or Unicom freq. just to be aware of traffic entering and exiting the area. All pilots are supposed to be aware of NOTAMs but in reality even a short flight plan between two local airports might pull up 20 or more NOTAMs. As a pilot I know I would appreciate a heads up on the radio if I call out my intentions to land at on Rwy18 at XYZ airport and you are anywhere within a few miles of the airport. Your reminder that you are in the area will likely cause me to alter my flight path if possible to completely avoid your area.
I may have misspoken; I'm not a pilot (our Chief Pilot is a very experienced "real" pilot). I believe it's the CTAF frequency that we monitor and make our announcements on, not an ATC frequency. We do our training flights at a farm that's about 2 miles from a small local airport with no tower, and we monitor the radio at all times.
leegreen, post: 423168, member: 2332 wrote: In class E airspace that is shaded purple, 700 feet to 1200 feet AGL. You are cleared to fly a drone up to 400 feet AGL. Are you in a purple - class E area? Then you are not cleared to fly.
Yes, this particular Class D airport has Class E airspace to the surface (dashed magenta lines on the sectional chart) extending to the south which is where my project area is.
Lee D, post: 423183, member: 7971 wrote: We do our training flights at a farm that's about 2 miles from a small local airport with no tower, and we monitor the radio at all times.
Our training field is about 7 miles beyond the runway of a small international airport. The arrangement with them is to call prior to start of flying, giving them a dedicated mobile number which they can use if necessary - or we can use if something strays low into our flight plan area (does happen - generally a helicopter). Works very well - they always say thank you when we let them know we have finished.
We have used the same method on occasion on jobs with a nearby airport. The tower is always far more helpful than the airfield admin. department.
I think it would be useful for folks to continue to report their experience/progress with waivers. Information should include whether they're operating under a Section 333 COA or a waiver...the rules are different. AFAIK, Section 333 COA's are no longer an option (but operators who have them may still operate under them), so as time goes on, the information about the success (or failure) of waivers (including how they were written) could be very useful to the community.
Just a thought.
