Jazmin Li
Drone operations in the US are often not allowed within five miles of an airport, which can be frustrating for drone pilots. In May 2019, the FAA abolished the five-mile rule, announcing that hobbyists could no longer fly within controlled airspace near airports without first obtaining airspace authorization. This means that recreational and commercial drone pilots must request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace near airports. However, for uncontrolled airspace under 400 feet above the ground, prior authorization is not required. Drone operators should avoid flying near airports as manned aircraft may struggle to see and avoid drones.
Can hobby drone fly within 5 miles of an airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Authorization required | Yes, for controlled airspace near airports |
| Authorization platforms | LAANC, FAA DroneZone, AirMap, Skyward |
| Authorization process | Online form or phone call to the airport |
| Altitude limitations | Yes, with possible additional operational provisions |
| Right-of-way | Drones must yield right-of-way to all other aircraft |
| Safety | Drone operators are responsible for any safety hazards their drone creates |
| Special permissions | Public entities like law enforcement may receive special permission |
| Uncontrolled airspace | Prior authorization may not be required for altitudes under 400' |
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What You'll Learn
Controlled airspace authorisations
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages most of the airspace and has laid out clear regulations that every drone pilot must understand and follow. Drone pilots are responsible for flying within FAA guidelines and regulations. It is important to learn about airspace restrictions, especially around airports, so that your drone does not endanger people or other aircraft.
Drone pilots must understand and comply with airspace restrictions, especially around airports. Controlled airspace refers to Class B, C, D, and surface Class E airspace designated for an airport. To fly in controlled airspace, drone pilots must obtain proper authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system or DroneZone. This includes flying within 5 miles of an airport.
In May 2019, the FAA abolished the five-mile rule, announcing that hobbyists could no longer fly within controlled airspace near airports without first obtaining airspace authorization, just as commercial drone pilots must do. Recreational and commercial drone pilots must request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace near airports. This means that hobby drone pilots must obtain authorization before flying within 5 miles of an airport if they are within controlled airspace.
It is important to note that not all airspace within 5 miles of an airport is controlled airspace. There are hundreds of airports that exist in Class G uncontrolled airspace. Drone pilots can fly in Class G airspace at or below 400 feet without authorization. However, even in Class G airspace, drone pilots must not impede or interfere with any existing manned aircraft operations.
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Recreational vs commercial drone pilots
In May 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abolished the five-mile rule, announcing that recreational drone pilots could no longer fly within controlled airspace near airports without first obtaining airspace authorization, just as commercial drone pilots must do. Recreational and commercial drone pilots must request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
Drone operations are often not generally allowed within five miles of an airport, and this can be frustrating for some drone pilots. For example, if you’re flying in your backyard and only plan to go ten feet high, you still need to notify Air Traffic Control.
The two main types of drone use are recreational and commercial. Recreational drone use means flying a drone that weighs less than 55 pounds for enjoyment, educational purposes, or research. Commercial drone use refers to flying drones for any other purpose, including working for a non-profit, regardless of compensation. Commercial drone pilots must operate under the FAA Part 107 rules, regardless of the weight of their drone.
Basic rules for recreational drone pilots include flying only for recreational purposes (personal enjoyment) and following the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized Community-Based Organization (CBO). Recreational drone pilots must also pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and have a current FAA registration, marking their drones on the outside with the registration number. They must also carry proof of registration when flying.
Overall, it is the responsibility of the drone pilot to know the rules and where it is and is not safe to fly.
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Airspace restrictions
In May 2019, the FAA abolished the five-mile rule, which previously allowed hobbyists to fly within controlled airspace near airports without obtaining airspace authorization. Now, recreational and commercial drone pilots must request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before entering controlled airspace near airports. This means that even if you are flying your drone in your backyard and only plan to go ten feet in the air, you will still need to notify Air Traffic Control.
Drone operations are often not permitted within five miles of an airport, and this can be frustrating for drone pilots. However, it is important to remember that drones can endanger people or other aircraft if they are not operated safely. Drone operators must avoid flying near airports because it is difficult for manned aircraft to see and avoid drones while flying. Drone operators are responsible for any safety hazards their drones create in an airport environment and must avoid interfering with aircraft operations.
There are two ways to receive airspace authorization. The first is to request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone. The second way is to use a platform like AirMap or Skyward, which provides instant airspace authorization through the FAA's Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). It is important to note that these instant authorizations are still being rolled out and are only available in a limited number of locations.
Even if you have obtained airspace authorization, you must still follow certain restrictions. For example, even in Class G uncontrolled airspace, you must not impede or interfere with any existing manned aircraft operations. Additionally, if you are flying in uncontrolled airspace that remains under 400 feet above the ground, you do not need prior authorization. However, you must still be aware of and avoid traffic patterns, takeoff, and landing areas, and yield the right-of-way to all other aircraft.
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Permission from air traffic control
In May 2019, the FAA abolished the five-mile rule, which previously allowed hobbyists to fly within controlled airspace near airports without obtaining authorisation. Now, recreational and commercial drone pilots must request authorisation through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) approval to operate in controlled airspace can be requested through an airspace authorisation. This can be done through the Low Altitude Authorisation and Notification Capability (LAANC) or the FAA Drone Zone portal. Drone Zone provides manual authorisations for airports that are not LAANC-enabled, and these are processed by the FAA Air Traffic Service Centres.
LAANC is a mobile/web application that allows drone pilots to apply for near-instant airspace authorisation. Drone pilots must input their mission details and request access. However, LAANC does not work 100% of the time, and instant authorisations are still being rolled out, so they are only available in a handful of locations.
Airspace authorisations can be for a specific location or for broad areas governed by a single ATC jurisdiction. Drone pilots must also ensure they follow the Rules of the Sky and do not endanger people or other aircraft. Drone pilots can only fly 400 ft above ground level (AGL) and must stay separated from Class A airspace, which begins 18,000 ft above sea level.
To receive authorisation through LAANC, drone pilots must take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and apply on the date they wish to fly. They must select the exact time, altitude, and location of their flight, ensuring they fly at or below the altitude defined by the UAS Facility Maps. Drone pilots must also provide details such as the date, time, pilot, aircraft, and context of their flight.
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Common sense and staying out of the way of aircraft
In May 2019, the FAA abolished the five-mile rule, announcing that hobbyists could no longer fly within controlled airspace near airports without first obtaining airspace authorization. This means that recreational and commercial drone pilots must request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying in controlled airspace near airports.
Drone operators should avoid flying near airports because it is difficult for manned aircraft to see and avoid drones while flying. Drone operators are responsible for any safety hazards their drone creates in an airport environment and must avoid manned aircraft. Even if you have authorisation to fly near an airport, you must not impede or interfere with any existing manned aircraft operations.
It is up to you as a drone pilot to know the Rules of the Sky and where it is and is not safe to fly. Learn about airspace restrictions, especially around airports, so your drone does not endanger people or other aircraft. The FAA’s B4UFLY service shows where recreational flyers can and cannot fly.
If you are flying in uncontrolled airspace and remain under 400 feet above the ground, prior authorisation is not required. However, remote pilots and recreational flyers must be aware of and avoid traffic patterns and takeoff and landing areas. A drone must not interfere with operations at the airport and must yield the right-of-way to all other aircraft.
Use your judgement. If you're a couple of dozen feet above a building two miles out, you're probably ok. If you're at treetop level 200 feet off the airport, you're also probably ok.
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Frequently asked questions
No, hobby drones cannot fly within 5 miles of an airport without first obtaining airspace authorization.
Airspace authorization can be requested through LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
LAANC is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability. It provides instant airspace authorization through platforms like AirMap or Skyward.
Drone operators should avoid flying near airports as it is difficult for manned aircraft to see and avoid drones. Drones must not interfere with airport operations and must yield the right-of-way to all other aircraft.
