Awesome pod cast! Drone U, extra kudos for investing the time to educate us, part 107 and your professionalism. Big congrats for having an FAA inspector to be the key note speaker and through your questions, providing excellent information! (Part 107 and Private Pilot).
Awesome interview, Kevin and Paul. And I was really surprised by Paul's cite of UAS going back to Fort Huachuca in the 1950s! In 1972 I was working at their Electronics Proving Ground facility involved with the Air Force drone recovery program... my, how time flies when we're having fun!
A VERY good Video. Informative and entertaining. However it should be noted that this came out in 2016, and it is now 2017 going into 2018 and we STILL don't have a "Near Real Time" airspace authorization process.
It's the FAA has A LOT of work to do. I can't fly in mountainous areas in my parts because ski resorts have banned entire 30+ mile areas. I can't fly in a National Park along the coastline over water because I'm standing on the beach. Too many WHY? conversations to be had. Great interview but more needs to be asked. Thanks Paul for this. 🚁✌️Part 107 pilot
Ski resorts do not have the authority to contradict or circumvent FAA regulations controlling the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The FAA has exclusive authority to regulate the use of our national airspace in these matters, no one else including states or municipalities and especially businesses or even homeowners. The ONLY control the ski resort operator has, is to not allow you to operate from within their property. You can be anywhere outside their boundaries and fly your drone wherever you want, so long as you are not interfering with FAA airspace and being a nuisance to safety or privacy.
Paul this was an excellent episode, and thank you Kevin for clarifying the rules. I personally feel that the Airmap is one of the better apps out there that provides an abundance of information for us before we fly. It even provides us phone numbers to the airports abound us. Great app!
Great info. As I work in TV news gathering, speed of approval process is essential for my niche. Thanks for having this Podcast, very much appreciated.
Absolutely great interview. I am a private pilot and a huge advocate of the FAA and ATC. Generally, my interaction with ATC has been quite positive as I operate (airplanes) in Class D mostly. With that said, it appears that the FAA took what amounts to a firewall approach when it comes to drones. With the lengthy authorization process, they have basically denied commercial operation to the vast majority of photographers who would like to add this to their products. From what I have been told by people in this business, the notice for taking aerial shots is normally from 1 day to a few days. Telling clients I cant do it until I get approval and it may be 90 days basically ensures they will go to someone that will do it right away. This has the opposite effect of part 107 whereas, instead of a flight being executed by a licensed, knowledgeable, safe pilot, it will be handled by an unlicensed likely unsafe one. Why can't we put a short term rule in place, that if you hold a private pilot license or better, you can ask for ATC clearance in the same manner one would ask prior entering Class D? I can't imagine that there is that many private pilots flying drones commercially in a particular airspace. If they are too busy, they can simply reply unable try later. Furthermore, having the approval process handled by someone that is not even close to the controlled airspace you are in and making that approval days, weeks or months in advance is rather ludicrous. Waiting years for an app is not good enough. FAA needs to put their thinking caps on for a short term solution. Guys, thanks so much for this video I really enjoyed it.
That's a great idea and maybe shouldn't be short term. Those of us who have put in effort to learn and follow the rules should have some benefit to being part of the FAA instead of ignoring them. This sort of process is causing noncomplying backyard plots to go fly their drones in ways and areas where they simply don't know the dangers to themselves or others. This is a quick way to put an end to the whole operation.
Best info I've seen. I took copious notes. Thanks to Kevin. BTW my Authorization Blanket Request was denied as Kevin says it would be. My request was based on my involvement for Public Service flying. I am currently working with my local HazMat unit and two Search and Rescue units.
Requesting flights via an app would be best for all involved. FAA will be able to set/enforce flight requests. They will be able to send flight restriction directly to the drone & follow up if an operator flies too high or too far. UAS pilots will love just making a few clicks to safely/legally schedule their flights.
It looks like you have 35 or 40 thousand people out there right now who are trying to abide by the rules, and then you have a whole lot of people out there doing whatever they want to do disrespecting the FAA and their request and they don't care. It is very disappointing to find out after becoming a Part 107 pilot, how difficult it is to fly following the rules. I don't want to lose the privilege of being a part 107 pilot. I will continue on following the rules and get my private pilot license because of this. And I'm sure that things will get better. I work in the wireless industry cell towers, we slap equipment up on Tower so fast it would make your head spin. We're in and out days. Not much time to do any aerial inspections if your violating airspace. Thanks to all for helping this process get streamlined.
Im located at 4.97miles away from naples Florida airport call them and the answer was NO, at the same time I'm located 2Miles away from a hospital heliport call them and they said sure!! don't go over 200ft.... FAA needs to get their shit together.... I can't wait for the app!
What is just wrong is that I just merely need to "ESTABLISH TWO WAY RADIO CONTACT" to fly my Cessna through the class D. When I land a go home to fly the drone in my back yard below the tree line, I now need to call them on the phone and blah blah.
No such implication was ever made. The phone call scenario was only suggested as having been done previously and unofficially when both parties knew one another. According to FAA policy ATC is to refer drone operators to the website for authorizations. Were I an FAA air traffic controller, no-way am I sticking my neck out and giving a caller on the phone permission to do anything relative to clearances, etc.
Thank you very, very much for doing this!! I'm a part 61 GA pilot with a 107 certificate (pending) looking for opportunity in my local area shooting Real Estate, etc. It just so happens that most of my city is in class Delta airspace and having to file 90 days in advance is a real deal killer. Thanks again for the informative video. ~J~ #FastTeamMember
For flying in Class D, you can get a Letter of Agreement with the manager of the airport within 5 miles, concerning the requirement to contact the airport operator and ATC.
I was just wondering, would FAA and other international agencies be more open to flying around, if drones would have radar retroreflectors and certified ADS transponders on board, and ADS receivers that automatically lower the drone, and also relay ADS received data to the UAS pilot, maybe? I am certain these things can be manufactured by drone manufactures in a range of 100$ if they really want to, mass produce it, and optimize certification process. And other planes and ATC would probably much more happy knowning ACAS and TCAS work, and radar signature is easy to spot.
The problem is not a problem. If we are limited to 400 feet AGL and private and commercial flights are limited to >500 feet AGL. then there is no conflict. We need to be able to operate 3-5 miles from Class C airspace. How can we be granted this authorization? There is no conflict. But this is not operative yet.
Helicopters. Can fly as low as they want. No rule on them. Flying medivac I can tell you that we land in people's front and back yards quite often. 400' is only to protect airplanes that can fly as low as 500 feet.
Any idea when the ETA is for the mobile app for waivers from the FAA? I was on the phone with the FAA yesterday and no one that I talked to knew anything about this.
Wow, I have no idea that we are not suppose to contact the ATC directly but to use the online authorization to request permission to enter into controlled airspace. If I have my part 107, is there anytime that it is more advantages to fly as a hobbyist rather than using the part 107?
My question here is very simple: since most aircraft do not fly below 50 feet why not just make it a ceiling cap in place of a ban in those areas... seems far more simple and no forms... IE= the makers of the drones have in the programing the ceiling height from ground level. the Drone will not fly above this ceiling height no mater how hard you push the stick... it is a limit.... thus the airlines are safe and the drone world is happy to fly almost anywhere that is not in violation of personal space conditions etc. In this way it is far easier to work with the FAA in place of trying to find holes in the regulations.. it would also free up time to do the work the FAA really needs to be doing and it helps keep people safe. If a celing can be put into place the back yard is free to fly once again ...
im confused, is this outdated info,the faa website, part 107 study materials all say tocall atc directly and tells you how to get there number. this is for say heyr atc may i fly 150 above a house for real estate pics 4 miles from your airport at such and such address....so as of January 2017 is this right or wrong, if wrong why is thebefore u fly app and faa site stating you can call atc...???
Wouldn't the following blanket waiver solve the majority of the problems: If you are in class D or Surface E airspace AND more than 1 mile from the airport you can fly your UAS as long as you are within 100 feet of a structure. Sure seems to me that all manned aircraft will be a lot more than 100 feet than any structure.
So, you'd be illegal flying in an open area where there are no "structures'? Probably need to add some altitude restrictions, but that'd be too simple a solution for those in control.
just weird i legally can't fly my drone because heliport 4miles from me ?? but i don't go no more than 20 or 30ft over building or trees. heliport is ibm and not barely used.
yes it suck there are 5 heliports and 1 airport around me and i only saw 1 or 2 fly in a week and i am fuck can't fly no where around because there are over laps each other in my area
I was under the impression that with heliports you can fly if it's non-controlled & you have a spotter to actively looking for approaching helos. I would call your nearest airport & inquire about the helipad.
Heliports like smaller airports are always controlled through two-way communication between pilots in the area. There may not be a tower, but there are still rules in-place controlling the airspace around their operations.
Why do you have to fly there? Get in your car and get outside the five mile limit. It's not rocket science! But, these are rules regarding those who fly for profit. If you're a hobbyist, what are you worried about?
These restrictions may be lifted with time, as far as bare-minimum altitudes are concerned. It's a process that will take some time, probably years. Besides, these are rules regarding those who fly for profit. If you're a hobbyist, what are you worried about?
I fly my drone to film sunrises along the lakefront in Chicago. I'm clear of all airports but I'm under the zone for two heliports. I've never been able to get in contact with any of the heliports that early in the morning. What would be the best solution to comply with the rule if I can not contact them? I'm always flying over water and under 150 ft.
If you're a "licensed" drone pilot, you should be imprisoned. That was one of the worst attempts at a flight that I've ever seen. Climbing to 1600 feet with a low battery, yeah tell me again how the FAA taught you safety? Or is it that you lack the common feeling of self preservation? Perhaps the FAA forgot to install that piece of software in your head, noob.
Ticket Attorney You sure guess a lot, obviously no attorney. I've flown RC aircraft for over 30yrs. FYI, I didn't climb 1600' up a mountain with a low battery, I returned from 1600' high with a low battery, with 25% upon landing. Pretty normal, and perfectly safe, but you weren't there, you wouldn't know. That's ignorance. I find it amusing that an anarchist is preaching safety to the choir. Good one.
You must be joking, anarchy is not without rules, it's without RULERS. But I wouldn't expect you to understand differing societal structures, other than what was installed in your pea brain. You yourself admitted the batter was low, in which case you created a false description of the flight to inspire emotionality. Stick to flying RC.
Paul's "you know","you know"...."you know" ...... "You know" is annoying. Other than that, this interview has great information. However, where is good place to start studying for Part 107?
I guess I am really confused now. I am 107 licensed and use Airmaps IOS app. It gives you the phone numbers and I was sure it sends digital notifications to the surrounding airports that can accept it. Are we supposed to wait for a COA instead of just calling the number listed on Airmaps? I called the tower here and they were happy I called and took down my information. Please clarify this!
It's on a case by case basis and flight by flight and depends a lot too on who you spoke to when calling the tower. The FAA rep in the video clearly said giving permission over the phone is not FAA policy and clearly the ATC's job and freedom could be on the line should a newsworthy incident occur because he gave permission, which he was not authorized to give, per his employers policies.
Great info. Big thanks to you guys! I just passed my 107 this week and I've been struggling to understand the next step of the authorization process...guess I won't be calling the individual towers like I had been thinking! I really hope they get their apps working soon, B4UFly has been useless for me so far. It's rough that we're expected to jump through so many hoops to operate legally, when clearly there are still circumstances where people are having to make the choice whether to fly or lose a job opportunity. AND how are there "blanket" DROTAM's showing on SkyVector if they haven't been issuing them? Maybe I'm missing something there...but being able to get some sort of a blanket authorization would sure make things so much easier!! Keep up the good work Drone U.
I keep hearing about this "Portal" on the FAA website. Has anyone ever been able to actually find it? All I ever get referenced to is pdf files about the laws. Just a bunch of blah blah blah....... nowhere to get ATC permission to fly. You are NOT to contact the tower directly but there is no portal that I can find even with a search on the FAA website.
Does Mr. Incredible look as big in person as he does on tv? Sorry, just being a jerk for no reason. I really like and appreciate your videos, so clean and useful. You've really turned over a new leaf, Syndrome.
The control tower doesn't care, all they can say is we cannot approve or deny your flight. I've called twice and that's all they can say. They didn't care who I was where I will be or how high my p3s will be flying. But don't stop calling, CYA.
Part 107 pilots and their small businesses are losing the battle. The FAA is taking way way too long to aprove a waiver. Illegal operators are flying illegal and are taking jobs away from legal flying Part 107 pilots and their businesses.
Excellent! Great Q and A. Government A's but still informative. I really hope the government can figure out how to use the GPS system. Would be great to get authorization right away. B4Ufly is a joke.
Jerrick Hakim I learned that Videoblock might become a source of revenue (income), if I upload photos and/or videos that others would download. But it took some time to find the links on their site.
"Now, there cannot exist for a group of individuals any new rights over and above those that they already possessed as individuals. If, therefore, the use of force by the individual is justified solely on grounds of legitimate self-defense, we need only recognize that government action always takes the form of force to conclude that by its very nature it can be exerted solely for the maintenance of order, security, and justice. All government action beyond this limit is an encroachment upon the individual's conscience, intelligence, and industry-in a word, upon human liberty." -- Frédéric Bastiat, "To The Youth of France"
Not necessarily so and even then, it's highly unlikely (I.e. not going to happen) the government or the people would turn over control of our airspace to privateers dependent on making a profit.
The FAA guy was clear as mud... Typical FAA. Question: WHY do drone users have all these rules, yet NOAA/NWS launches at least 2 weather balloons a day, from 100 sites across the US (most within an airport environment)? These balloons start out 6’ in diameter and expand to 20+ feet in dia and go up thru 40,000’ before exploding and crashing back down thru all airspace. No transponder, no collision avoidance, no nothing. PS B4UFly app sucks! It doesnt show airspace outside of where u are at the time app is up. No phone numbers to call, no ATC, no Towers... typical FAA brainless rules.
spyneyes1 The point was that wx balloons ascending, without any control, thru ALL Flight Levels and back IS POTENTIALLY MORE dangerous than hobby drones. NOAA could use transponders too.
How do you figure baloon launches and retrievals are "without any control"? The FAA has rules governing their use and take whatever caution is necessary to keep them separated from aircraft in the surrounding airspace. You do understand they are tethered and are limited in how far and high they can go? My point is, your original suggestion that NOAA/NWS is spared from the rules, while drone users are not, is patently false. End of story.
spyneyes1 Sir; you don’t know what you’re talking about. Wx balloons launch at 0000Z and 1200Z daily, from 100 sites across the continental US. The ascend faster than any GA aircraft, have NO ability to avoid traffic, have NO transponders and don’t show up on ATC RADARs. They go thru FL40+, expanding to 20+ feet in diameter and fall uncontrollably back to Earth. They are NOT retrieved, cost apx$200ea and are “No Deposit - No Return” expenses WE taxpayers pay for. A ‘courtesy’ call is made to ATC announcing the launch is all that occurs. NOAA uses “The Big Sky” theory, which hasn’t changed for the better part of 100 years, is the only thing giving NOAA/NWS that warm-fuzzy feeling. IF/WHEN any jet sucks one into an engine, it’s game over. I’m ex: NOAA btw. That was my expertise. All these things could, and should have, transponders and ADS-B receivers. Anything that can go above 400ft... THAT would be responsible.
Okay... I give up "sir." No one is as blind as he who refuses to see. No matter how you wish it so, and your claims about being "ex: NOAA" none of what claim, make it so. Still patently false! Bub bye!
Illegal operators SHOULD be assessed fines if found and proven operating illegally. Also there should be a cooling off period meaning that person would not Be allowed to operate commercially for a period of time.
Still waiting to see an APOLOGY VIDEO after you guys insulted professional helicopter pilots, stating that they need to read the FARS and learn that they can't fly below 500 feet. When NO where in the FAA regs does it say that. It says EXCEPT helicopters... right down below the section that you quoted in your insult to the police pilots. Under part 135 ( tours, ems, charters ) they can't fly below 300 feet day. 500 night except for take off and landing. Under part 91 which you referred, there is no altitude requirement. 91 covers police, flight schools, general aviation, news, anyone who's not flying a person or property for $. They can fly as low as the pilot wants, as long as he or she can land in case of a engine failure without injury to people or property. Could a pilot fly at 100 feet and pull off an auto? Sure could. Recommended? No. For someone (YOU) who holds a pilot certificate, why would you bash other pilots on a public forum and not even know the rules yourself?
