Okay... I'll ask... what do you see as a benefit of the mew LAANC system for hobby flight. That is, does this new system add any benefits (to flyers) over the old system (calling the airport and notifying them of the flight)?
The largest benefit (for everyone involved) is that the system is automated. Within about a minute, you can get authorization to fly in controlled airspace using apps like Airmap and Kittyhawk.does this new system add any benefits (to flyers) over the old system (calling the airport and notifying them of the flight)?
Appreciate the input.The largest benefit (for everyone involved) is that the system is automated. Within about a minute, you can get authorization to fly in controlled airspace using apps like Airmap and Kittyhawk.
Expecting all airports to have a staff on hand to man a call center for drones really isn't something they likely desire to do. I don't think you're going to find one airport that agrees this new system is worse than the old system.Before, if you were within 5 miles of an airport, you only needed to make a call to the airport and you'd be flying.
I don't disagree. I don't think they would be getting flooded with calls but I don't see them needing to take those calls anyway. Truth is, they were about pointless. They served almost no safety purpose. Personally, I see LAANC not doing anything either. It is slightly easier but it is more restrictive.Expecting all airports to have a staff on hand to man a call center for drones really isn't something they likely desire to do. I don't think you're going to find one airport that agrees this new system is worse than the old system.
In what way? That is, what would a phone call have changed?Creates a potential risk to all and homes in the area.
The replacement is what we have now. It had always required authorization under LAANC, which was not available at the time.You also have to remember that the October FAA reauthorization act repealled the original hobbyist law that had the 5 mile rule. The replacement required contacting an authorized agent in any controlled airspace.
They said no such thing. They bared us from contact under the old law and bared us from a non-existent LAANC system. So until a few days ago, no could fly under hobby within controlled airspace. I'm sure everyone followed that law.Since FAA didn't have one in place yet for us hobbyists, they said follow the old rules until they figure it out.
As far as I know, the new law only requires use of LAANC, period. To expand on that, no authorization is needed outside areas covered by LAANC. As far as I see (and I'm not 100% up-to-date on this), LAANC goes beyond controlled airspace in some cases.They now have it figured out: use LAANC in supported areas (quick) or dronezone in all other situations in controlled airspace. Not all controlled airspace is confined to 5 miles from an airport.
Yes, instead of calling them, the FAA says you now have to use DroneZone to gain authorization....the airport in south Chandler. Small planes mostly but still get a 5 mile NFZ. LAANC not available, and can’t contact the tower for clearance anymore.
Yes, instead of calling them, the FAA says you now have to use DroneZone to gain authorization.
However, when I go to DoneZone, I don't see where hobbyists can request said authorization.
The fact that Dronezone fails to provide clear guidance on how a recreational pilot gains an airspace authorization via the Part 107 process is just another indication they, the FAAA, don't really want us around.
Or is it just an indication that they aren't good at documenting their processes?The fact that Dronezone fails to provide clear guidance on how a recreational pilot gains an airspace authorization via the Part 107 process is just another indication they, the FAAA, don't really want us around
Dont get me wrong, I very much would like to use it.......my home area previously just required a phone call for an airspace authorization but because LAANC is not available this route is not available. Some say I can leave the recreational side of Dronezone, go into the Part 107 section and click on the request waiver/authorization. There I find this statement:Or is it just an indication that they aren't good at documenting their processes?
Assumptions aside, the system is in place and ready for you to use. If you decide not to use it, you're only punishing yourself.
Dont get me wrong, I very much would like to use it.......my home area previously just required a phone call for an airspace authorization but because LAANC is not available this route is not available. Some say I can leave the recreational side of Dronezone, go into the Part 107 section and click on the request waiver/authorization. There I find this statement:
These tools should only be used to request waivers or authorizations for operations flown under Title 14 Part 107. They are not intended for operations flown in accordance with The Exception for Recreational Flyers.So, please, point me to where there is a way for a recreational pilot to obtain an airspace authorization in an area not serviced by LAANC?
I am trying this suggestion from another flyer, I also am in a "LAANC system not available yet" area and have also tried to call the tower and told to "go away", not a 107 either, but a recreational flyer - but DroneZone still let me apply for Airspace Authorization - will let you know if it works in a few days:
this suggestion
"The process/website is a bit confusing if you haven't gone through it before.
The FAA has previously explained that for 99% of the pilots out there, authorizations is what they want us to be selecting. It can be better explained this way: an authorization is "getting permission to enter the airspace", whereas a waiver is saying that the airspace rules don't apply to you at all. They are much more comfortable with the idea of "authorizing" UAS pilots, even if it's for a wide-area (the entire Class D airspace, up to the UAS Facility Map altitude) and even for an entire year's duration.
I'll tell you how I've filled out the application:
Select Airspace Authorization on Drone Zone.
For your title, just name your operation whatever you want. (for example, "Wide-Area Authorization for XXXX Class D Airspace") You'll fill out your personal details below that, such as your name and phone number.
On the next page enter your proposed start date and end date. The end date can be a year into the future (or more). In my experience the FAA examiner will automatically adjust the dates when they approve you to whatever they are comfortable with.
Timeframe: you can select everything but Night. Flying at night requires a separate Night waiver to be on file, which I don't have.
Frequency: How often do you expect to be flying? Make your best guess there.
Time Zone: self explanatory.
Proposed Location of Operation: Here you can write that you are planning to operate in multiple locations in that airspace area, up to the Facility Map Altitudes. You should add that you will comply with the UAS Facility Map and not fly in any areas that have a 0 altitude posted.
Proposed Maximum Altitude: Here I selected 400 feet.
For latitude and longitude, you pick the GPS coordinates for the center of the airport at the middle of the airspace area you are applying for. You can get the GPS coordinates for an airport off of AirNav.com.
For Radius (this is important): You want to pick "Wide Area".
Nearest airport: the airport associated with that Class D airspace, and for Airspace: Pick Class D
Description of your operation: You can briefly write the purpose of your operations. (aerial photography, roof inspections, etc). I usually add something about maintaining compliance with all Part 107 regulations and again that I will follow the UAS Facility Map as far as altitudes that I will be flying. Also that I won't fly if there is a Temporary Flight restriction in the area, etc.
Existing authorizations/waivers: Unless you've applied in the past, this should be answered No.
After that you can submit your application and wait. Depending on their workload, I've had applications approved in as little as 24 hours recently. After they approve it, you can download an Authorization document that you can print out that shows you have FAA permission to fly in that airspace. None of my authorizations have required that I contact ATC or anything before specific flights, so I'm basically good to go for flying in these areas for the next year.
Hope it works, I'll let you know.
Dont get me wrong, I very much would like to use it.......my home area previously just required a phone call for an airspace authorization but because LAANC is not available this route is not available. Some say I can leave the recreational side of Dronezone, go into the Part 107 section and click on the request waiver/authorization. There I find this statement:
These tools should only be used to request waivers or authorizations for operations flown under Title 14 Part 107. They are not intended for operations flown in accordance with The Exception for Recreational Flyers.So, please, point me to where there is a way for a recreational pilot to obtain an airspace authorization in an area not serviced by LAANC?
ps I sent an email to [email protected] with the question.