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I live inside of the five mile radius of a small local airport (no tower). I since I am learning to fly and want to have the Mavic in the air as often as possible. I found this information in an FAA document (not sure if it’s still valid) and was wondering if anyone has used option “(h)” below. I would think calling the airport manager daily would be a hassle for him or her, so I was hoping to get a “blanket COA” (if that’s the correct term for a rec user) or something similar to allow me to fly under 200 feet in the local areas I usually fly. Any information or clarity on this subject would be welcome.
The FAA document wording regarding this is below (again, not sure if it’s currently valid)
Model Aircraft (Hobbyist)
(1) A model aircraft flown strictly for hobby or recreational use.
(2) Most small UAS are owned by individuals and cannot be used for commercial purposes. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation should follow safety guidelines outlined in AC 91-57A which include:
(a) Fly at or below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles.
(b) Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times.
(c) Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.
(d) Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless the hobbyist contacts the airport operator and control tower (if operating at a tower controlled airport) before flying.
(e) Don't fly near people or stadiums.
(f) Don't fly an aircraft that weighs 55 lbs. or more.
(g) Don't be careless or reckless with the unmanned aircraft – hobbyists could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft.
(h) Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (if operating at a tower controlled airport).
(i) Model aircraft must not operate in Temporary Flight Restriction Areas (TFR), Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, Special Flight Rules Areas, or the Washington National Capital Region Flight Restricted Zone, without specific authorization.
The FAA document wording regarding this is below (again, not sure if it’s currently valid)
Model Aircraft (Hobbyist)
(1) A model aircraft flown strictly for hobby or recreational use.
(2) Most small UAS are owned by individuals and cannot be used for commercial purposes. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation should follow safety guidelines outlined in AC 91-57A which include:
(a) Fly at or below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles.
(b) Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times.
(c) Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.
(d) Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless the hobbyist contacts the airport operator and control tower (if operating at a tower controlled airport) before flying.
(e) Don't fly near people or stadiums.
(f) Don't fly an aircraft that weighs 55 lbs. or more.
(g) Don't be careless or reckless with the unmanned aircraft – hobbyists could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft.
(h) Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (if operating at a tower controlled airport).
(i) Model aircraft must not operate in Temporary Flight Restriction Areas (TFR), Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, Special Flight Rules Areas, or the Washington National Capital Region Flight Restricted Zone, without specific authorization.