flights above 400'

[swordfish3860]

I have a client requesting a flight at 1500-2000'. I tried to explain that there is a 400' ceiling for drones in the U.S. (It's not near another structure, so flying near a tall structure doesn't apply). He insists it's possible with FAA approval. Am I missing something here? This is near a fairly congested airspace near a large metro city with multiple large airports. I've never heard of a commercial drone flight in the U.S. above 400' unless it's next to a tower which exceeds 400'. Which this isn't.

 

[Meta4]

I have a client requesting a flight at 1500-2000'. I tried to explain that there is a 400' ceiling for drones in the U.S. (It's not near another structure, so flying near a tall structure doesn't apply). He insists it's possible with FAA approval. Am I missing something here? This is near a fairly congested airspace near a large metro city with multiple large airports. I've never heard of a commercial drone flight in the U.S. above 400' unless it's next to a tower which exceeds 400'. Which this isn't.

Why does the client needs the drone to be >1500 ft above the ground?

 

[FLDave]

No need to explain why to the client; it's your business so the answer should be just "no" to flights more then 400 feet above ground.

 

[Cafguy]

You can get a waiver and it is certainly possible.... Tell your client the FAA is gonna want a GOOD reason to be at that altitude. If they approve then its no problem. I think it would mostly depend on the area.

 

[SkyeHigh]

You can get a waiver and it is certainly possible.... Tell your client the FAA is gonna want a GOOD reason to be at that altitude. If they approve then its no problem. I think it would mostly depend on the area.

And then there is visual line of sight, orientation and situational awareness to take into account - not a chance against the sky.

 

[AnzacJack]

Be interested in the reason for this. Surely easier to hire a cessna

 

[BlueHeeler]

If you hold a Part 107 License, yes you can exceed the 400' AGL
Part 107 allows drone flight above 400 feet AGL if the flight is within a 400 foot radius of a structure, but the drone must stay within 400 feet above the structure's highest point, with that being said ( assuming you know this ) it would not be difficult to explain this to your client, but if he insists, then walk away.

 

[WanderLost]

I have a client requesting a flight at 1500-2000'. I tried to explain that there is a 400' ceiling for drones in the U.S. (It's not near another structure, so flying near a tall structure doesn't apply). He insists it's possible with FAA approval. Am I missing something here? This is near a fairly congested airspace near a large metro city with multiple large airports. I've never heard of a commercial drone flight in the U.S. above 400' unless it's next to a tower which exceeds 400'. Which this isn't.

Things look pretty small from even 400' altitude. If the client wants a Google earth style view of a large area, usually, I just fly a pattern and make a photomosiac - no need to exceed 400'. That way, you also have much higher resolution than a still photo from 1000+ feet.

 

[Jim Martin]

I have a client requesting a flight at 1500-2000'. I tried to explain that there is a 400' ceiling for drones in the U.S. (It's not near another structure, so flying near a tall structure doesn't apply). He insists it's possible with FAA approval. Am I missing something here? This is near a fairly congested airspace near a large metro city with multiple large airports. I've never heard of a commercial drone flight in the U.S. above 400' unless it's next to a tower which exceeds 400'. Which this isn't.

One option would be to tell the client that you would be willing to apply for a waiver, but that the client would need to pay for your time regardless of the outcome.

 

[AMann]

I would think that a waiver to fly above 400 feet AGL ( and more than 400’ from any tall structures) would also require publishing a temporary NOTAM.

 

[AMann]

No need to explain why to the client; it's your business so the answer should be just "no" to flights more then 400 feet above ground.

I disagree, education is an important part of how we deal with the general public and with customers- especially if one wants to have a continuing business relationship with them.

 

[David Metcalf]

How would you write a waiver? I have a stock waiver for 0' AGL. Lot's of way to help get approval. One perhaps on how will you maintain VLOS against the sky? Attach a 3 mile rated strobe to the bottom? Added safety of another 107 pilot as a visual observer against nearby aircraft?

Here is a likely process and be prepared to wait a week or more.

• Fill out the Certificate of Waiver or Authorization application form (FAA Form 7711-2).
• Provide a detailed description of your proposed operation, drone, pilot qualifications, and a plan for how you will maintain a level of safety at least equivalent to the restriction you want to waive.
• Submit the application via email to [email protected].

Anyone want to spitball some other good options to pled your case?
Might as well hire a helicopter.