I understand why that limit is there but didn't know if it was possible to get permission to go higher?
You cannot fly higher than 400-feet legally as a Recreational Pilot…
From the FAA…
Recreational drone pilots are not allowed to fly 400 feet over a structure. Nor does the FAA offer a waiver process for hobbyists to fly above 400 feet AGL or higher than what the grid numbers allow for in controlled airspace.
The FAA allows the 400-foot altitude limit to be waiver upon request by Part 107-licensed drone pilots. Waivers are requested through the FAA DroneZone website through a process that requires the drone operator to describe the proposed operations in heavy detail. All the risks associated with the operations need to be identified, and mitigating measures have to be included in the proposal. This can be a long and tedious process for which the FAA recommends a 90-day lead time.
Hobbyists do not follow Part 107 regulation. As a result, hobbyists cannot fly 400 feet over a structure, whether in controlled or uncontrolled airspace. Hobbyists are limited to 400 feet AGL at all time in uncontrolled airspace, and whatever the altitude limit is when flying in controlled airspace (as specified by the grid).
There is currently no waiver process available for hobbyists to fly above 400 feet AGL in uncontrolled airspace, and there is no waiver process to fly higher than the published grid numbers in controlled airspace.
So, YOU CANNOT LEGALLY FLY HIGHER THAN 400-FEET…
But with all of that being said, if you are really rural and there are no airports nearby and no chance of a crop-duster, small aircraft, or helicopter to be flying in that area, who will know, if you keep quiet and don't go bragging to all your neighbors. The FAA does not have enough personnel to go out to every small community to scan the horizon with binoculars looking for drones violating the altitude limits…
Also, do this, when you are up in the air, do this, at 100', 200', 300', 400', and so forth, shoot a Globe. The drone will shoot 25- photos in all directions and creates a Photosphere. That is a photo that you can scroll around, up, down, all around in 360 degrees.
Here is an Example… It is one of my favorite flying spots and I posted it in Google Maps and Google Earth…
Virginia
maps.app.goo.gl