USA Mavic Pilots, how are you notifying nearby airports per FAA rules?

[laurihold78]

In the USA, the FAA requires if you're flying a drone the size of a Mavic Pro within 5 miles of an airport, you have to notify them. If you're in this situation, how are you notifying the airport? Are you calling the control tower every time you take your Mavic for a spin? Do they have an electronic system?
The FAA has a mobile app, but it specifically says that filing your plan with them doesn't notify the airport.
Thanks in advance for your insight.10.0.0.0.1

 

[Brockrock]

In the USA, the FAA requires if you're flying a drone the size of a Mavic Pro within 5 miles of an airport, you have to notify them. If you're in this situation, how are you notifying the airport? Are you calling the control tower every time you take your Mavic for a spin? Do they have an electronic system?
The FAA has a mobile app, but it specifically says that filing your plan with them doesn't notify the airport.
Thanks in advance for your insight.

Direct notification to Air Traffic Control personnel is no longer required to fly a small UAS in Controlled Airspace. Now, the system that is in place is an Airspace Authorization procedure. A pilot can use the LAANC system to apply for an Airspace Authorization in real time via a number of FAA approved apps, or they can apply for a longer term authorization via the FAA DroneZone website. I have both Commercial and Recreational Airspace Authorizations for a Class D airport near me, and as long as I stay at or below the altitudes listed in the UAS Airport Facilities Map, I am able to fly unrestricted. Here is a link to the FAA DroneZone website: Recreational Flyers & Modeler Community-Based Organizations This link is for the Recreational side of UAV flying, and you can poke around a bit for the Commercial side if needed.

 

[DoomMeister]

In the USA, the FAA requires if you're flying a drone the size of a Mavic Pro within 5 miles of an airport, you have to notify them. If you're in this situation, how are you notifying the airport? Are you calling the control tower every time you take your Mavic for a spin? Do they have an electronic system?
The FAA has a mobile app, but it specifically says that filing your plan with them doesn't notify the airport.
Thanks in advance for your insight.

You are going by rules set forth before the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act.

You can use apps like AirMap or Kittyhawk to apply for clearance in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and Surface E). For small airports in Class G airspace (aka not controlled) you do not need to notify to fly near an airport or airfield, BUT you must remain vigilant and yield right of way to manned aircraft.
The two most important rules to remember are 1)maintain visual line of site (VLOS) and 2)do not fly over 400 feet above ground level (400’ AGL) or less if within a LAANC zone with lower altitude restrictions.

The FAA.gov website has all the information you need to fly safely in the national airspace system (NAS). There are links to learn all you need to know and it is free of charge.

 

[Brockrock]

And, the other consideration is DJI's restrictions. Even though I have the FAA Airspace Authorizations mentioned above, some of the Class D Airspace is still listed as an Authorization Zone in DJI's GEO Map, and this requires another step via DJI to allow the UAV to even operate in those zones. Bottom line: There is a lot to learn and keep up with in this industry if one wishes to fly legally.

 

[BigAl07]

Welcome to the forum.

• First off the "distance from the airport" is no longer a determining factor. It goes by AIRSPACE only.
• Next, the size of the UAS does not determine method of notification. The ONLY factor that comes into play on size is Registration in regards to Recreational flights. All aircraft flown for Commercial/Part 107 must be registered with the FAA. Under 255gr do not "require" registration if flown Recreationally.

Here are some "hopefully" helpful links:

What type of Drone/UAS Flyer are you

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)



LAANC (Learn about it here)

UAS Data Exchange (LAANC)



FAA UAS Facilities Map (LAANC Grid Map)

ArcGIS Web Application



Kittyhawk (LAANC Provider)

LAANC | Kittyhawk



FAA DroneZone Portal (registration, airspace requests NonLAANC etc)

FAADroneZone