So sorry, I just switched over the the email account I registered under and saw this.
In case you didn't see it: yes, you fill out and submit an airspace authorization request at FAA DroneZone (
FAADroneZone).
My flight was along the E Boston Greenway Connector, or at the Wood Island T Stop. It is property of MassPort and has "no drone" signs everywhere. Yes, a state trooper approached me and said I couldn't fly there. Yes I showed him my printed out authorization as well as my state ID (and my commercial certification, but if you don't have that it should be fine). He took pictures of them and told me to fly safe.
And yes, I contacted the control tower a few minutes before flight and said: I'm flying a drone, I have authorization. I'm at this location, I will be flying for X time, and I have a maximum altitude of X ft.
In either instance (police and control towers) I have found a mixed bag with regards to people knowing what you're talking about. The officer took the pictures because he wasn't even sure if what I was showing him was real. He was simply covering his ***.
Usually a control tower will tell you that you have to get authorization at the dronezone site. Every time I have to politely reiterate: Yes, I've done that and I have authorization, I'm calling you because its procedure, I'm just letting you know I'm flying here.
If you're open about it, people are pretty cool. Its new territory for a lot of folks so be patient.
FYI: I have had four airspace authorizations. I have applied for eight. Two were canceled (one by the FAA after calling me, one by me because I saw a goof on my application), and two were denied. Its not a big deal to get denied, they just don't want you to cause an issue. It is very easy to reply to their emails and ask why, and if anything could be done to reduce the risk and obtain authorization.