Update: this was originally written for Part 107 pilots only. Since writing this, the FAA added a separate Recreational pilot airspace authorization section in DroneZone. I have yet to update this material to account for any differences in that process, if any.
Thanks to all who took the time to reply.
dawgpilot: According to the information from my DroneZone account you can apply for an airspace authorization/waiver (as opposed to an operational waiver which is different). My understanding is that an airspace authorization is for a specific flight and a waiver is general permission to fly provided you observe the uas facility map altitude limitations and follow all of the 107 rules. My problem is that when I click on the airspace authorization/waiver guidelines tab I get directed to "page not found" [FAA has to fix that]. I do not want to learn by stumbling through the application process. I want all of my ducks properly lined up for the sake of the FAA examiner who has to review this. If you can give me any pointers then that would be greatly appreciated.
I was hoping for an alternative but that is most likely wishful thinking.
The process/website is a bit confusing if you haven't gone through before, but as I mentioned in my previous reply, I've personally gone through this several times, and currently hold multiple blanket wide-area airspace
authorizations for different Class D airspace areas.
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. (absent some other flight restriction like a TFR for a football game, etc)
Hope that's helpful.
