Flying Above 400 Feet (By Chris ''The Drone Geek' Fravel)

[The Droning Company]

Flying Above 400 Feet

 

[akdrone]

I often go mountain climbing....

 

[Donald Hill]

It should be noted that the 400 feet above a structure rule only applies in class G (uncontrolled) airspace. If you need a LAANC, you have approval for a fixed AGL based on the grid number. If you want/need to fly higher than the grid number you can request that clearance through extended LAANC or drone zone. Also, if the structure is critical influence (CI), you may have further restrictions. In Nevada you have to remain 500 feet (horizontally) from the CI unless you get approval from the CI owner (which you probably have if you are working for the CI owner). Without that approval you can't get within 400 feet of the structure where you can start going up to 400 feet above the structure.

 

[Donald Hill]

It should be noted that the 400 feet above a structure rule only applies in class G (uncontrolled) airspace. If you need a LAANC, you have approval for a fixed AGL based on the grid number. If you want/need to fly higher than the grid number you can request that clearance through extended LAANC or drone zone. Also, if the structure is critical influence (CI), you may have further restrictions. In Nevada you have to remain 500 feet (horizontally) from the CI unless you get approval from the CI owner (which you probably have if you are working for the CI owner). Without that approval you can't get within 400 feet of the structure where you can start going up to 400 feet above the structure.

You only have an issue when 1. The structure is considered Critical Infrastructure. And 2. When you don't have approval from the owner of the Critical Infrastructure. If the structure is not Critical Infrastructure, or you have permission from the owner, then you can fly within 400 feet of the structure and then go up to 400 feet above the structure. Keep in mind the class G and LAANC restrictions noted above.