What makes the FAA deny Waivers?

MaverickMcBride · Feb 28, 2018

I just ask because I had the same equipment as another person who had a successful nighttime waiver and basically copied it word for word.

What made them get an approval and me a denial? It was the exact same scenario equipment, and everything...

nuclearheli · Feb 28, 2018

MaverickMcBride said:
I just ask because I had the same equipment as another person who had a successful nighttime waiver and basically copied it word for word.

What made them get an approval and me a denial? It was the exact same scenario equipment, and everything...

There is no rational, I think they are intentionally denying applications. I applied twice for a night flight and was denied. They told me I didn’t provide enough information. The second time I applied I gave them 10 pages of documentation including maps, coordinates, and even a full litchi flight plan just for documentation. I was rejected again, reason, “not enough information”. I don’t know what else to give them unless I make crap up.

AnzacJack · Feb 28, 2018

Person on the day

787steve · Mar 1, 2018

nuclearheli said:
There is no rational, I think they are intentionally denying applications. I applied twice for a night flight and was denied. They told me I didn’t provide enough information. The second time I applied I gave them 10 pages of documentation including maps, coordinates, and even a full litchi flight plan just for documentation. I was rejected again, reason, “not enough information”. I don’t know what else to give them unless I make crap up.

Did you tell them why you wanted the waiver? Because you are asking for a rule to be removed for you, perhaps they want to know not only what you will do, but why you want to do it?
I have been involved granting waivers in a totally dissimilar area, and we wanted to know what was being asked for, and why.
It sure seems that they could at least tell you what more info they need. I wonder if it comes down to simply who worked your request. I had a rules question and somehow found the phone number for one of the FAA drone experts. I asked him what he spent most of his time doing, and he said "workng waivers." As I recall, at that time, they had a very small staff who work those by hand. I wish I still had his number. Perhaps if you search, you can find it, and ask him directly. Good luck.

Chirp · Mar 1, 2018

I heard from what I consider a reliable source that you will be declined if you do not include proof that you took a night waiver course.

I was declined also for not enough information so I took a course and I'm going to apply again.

787steve · Mar 1, 2018

Good luck. Keep us posted.

MaverickMcBride · Mar 2, 2018

So, I wasn't even aware of light Flight courses, I guess I look on the FAA website and see if they have a flight course under their wings program thing.

I can't see anything on why they denied it, It just says denied, I'm not seeing anything about needing more information or anything.

Honestly, I just wanted to fly at night because regardless, I'm going to fly at night anyway at a 'hobbyist', But the waiver would let me be able to sell the footage and be able to use the footage in my commercial work.

787steve · Mar 2, 2018

MaverickMcBride said:
So, I wasn't even aware of light Flight courses, I guess I look on the FAA website and see if they have a flight course under their wings program thing.

I can't see anything on why they denied it, It just says denied, I'm not seeing anything about needing more information or anything.

Honestly, I just wanted to fly at night because regardless, I'm going to fly at night anyway at a 'hobbyist', But the waiver would let me be able to sell the footage and be able to use the footage in my commercial work.

Sure looks like they could do a better job iof communicating. Your tax dollars at work.