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Flying remote-controlled aircraft or drones as a hobby has become increasingly popular. However, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure that this activity does not interfere with manned aircraft operations, especially near airports. Previously, remote-controlled aircraft pilots were required to contact the authorities if they planned to fly within three miles of an airport. However, this rule has since been updated, and now remote-controlled aircraft pilots must obtain authorization before flying within controlled airspace near airports. While the five-mile rule has been abolished, it is still important for remote pilots to exercise good judgment and follow safety protocols to ensure safe and responsible flying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rule | Remote control plane operators must notify the airport and its control tower before flying within 5 miles of an airport |
| Notification | A phone call to the airport and control tower is sufficient |
| Airspace authorization | Required for flying within controlled airspace near airports |
| Authorisation platforms | LAANC or FAA DroneZone |
| Altitude limitations | Applicable with airspace authorizations |
| Other provisions | Other operational provisions may be included with airspace authorizations |
| Commercial pilots | May need to secure airspace authorization from the FAA |
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What You'll Learn
The five-mile rule has been abolished
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abolished the five-mile rule in May 2019. This rule previously required model aircraft operators and drone pilots to request permission from the airport and its control tower if they were flying within a five-mile radius of an airport.
Now, recreational and commercial drone pilots must obtain authorisation through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying within controlled airspace near airports. This change means that hobbyists are no longer restricted to a five-mile radius but must still prioritise safety and ensure they don't interfere with aircraft.
The process of securing airspace authorisation can be done in two ways. The first method involves submitting an application through FAADroneZone, which can take up to 90 days for approval. The second option is to use platforms like AirMap or Skyward, which provide instant airspace authorisation through the FAA's Low Altitude Authorisation and Notification Capability (LAANC).
It's important to note that not all airports have controlled airspace within a five-mile radius. Drone pilots should research the class of airspace they plan to fly in, as some airports operate in uncontrolled airspace, which has different regulations. Additionally, certain controlled airspaces have varying restrictions and spatial configurations, so pilots must be aware of these designations before flying.
While the five-mile rule has been abolished, drone pilots must still adhere to safety guidelines and regulations to ensure safe and responsible drone usage near airports.
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You need authorisation to fly in controlled airspace
In the past, drone pilots were restricted from flying within five miles of an airport. This rule has since been abolished, and now, the main consideration is whether you are flying in controlled or uncontrolled airspace. If you are flying in controlled airspace, you need authorisation.
Controlled airspace is generally defined as the airspace from the surface to a certain number of feet above the airport elevation. For example, Class B airspace is generally from the surface to 10,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL) surrounding the nation's busiest airports. Class C airspace is generally from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower, based on aircraft operations or passenger enplanements.
You can use desktop or mobile applications from companies approved by the FAA, known as FAA-Approved UAS Service Suppliers (FAA LAANC USSs), to submit your authorisation request. These applications will also provide you with other safety-critical information related to your flight. You can also apply for authorisation through the FAA's Drone Zone, although this does not provide authorisations in near-real-time as all requests are processed manually.
To obtain authorisation, you will need to take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and apply on the date you wish to fly. Requests may be submitted up to 90 days in advance of your planned flight. You will need to select the exact time, altitude, and location where you wish to fly, ensuring that you select to fly at or below the altitude defined by the UAS Facility Maps.
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Contact the airport and air traffic control tower
If you want to fly a remote-controlled plane within five miles of an airport, you must contact the airport and its air traffic control tower (ATCT) for permission. While the five-mile rule has been abolished, you still need to obtain airspace authorisation and cannot fly within controlled airspace near airports without permission.
You can contact the Flight Standards District Office that covers your area, and they can connect you with the relevant branches of the FAA. You can also get tower phone numbers from Flight Service (1-800-WX-BRIEF). AC-U-KWIK also has a searchable system where you can input the airport identifier to find the phone number. The printed edition of the AOPA airport directory also has an appendix of tower numbers.
The Chart Supplement has the number for the Airport Manager for every airport, who can connect you with the tower if the number is not listed. You can download these pages from the FAA website or ForeFlight.
ATCTs are responsible for providing a safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of traffic in the vicinity of an airport. They also provide for the separation of Instrument Flight Rules aircraft in terminal areas.
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Authorisation can be obtained via LAANC or FAA DroneZone
Recreational and commercial drone pilots must obtain authorisation to fly within controlled airspace near airports. This applies to remote-controlled planes as well as drones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restricted drone and model aircraft operations within five miles of airports. Previously, pilots of such aircraft were encouraged to contact the authorities if they planned to fly within three miles of an airport. Now, this contact is mandatory, and the safety bubble has been expanded to five miles.
Pilots must request authorisation through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or the FAA's DroneZone. LAANC is a collaboration between the FAA and industry, facilitating the sharing of airspace data and supporting the integration of UAS into the airspace. Drone pilots can access controlled airspace at or below 400 feet and receive updates on Temporary Flight Restrictions and the Special Use Airspace schedule. To qualify for LAANC under Part 107, pilots must register their drone and hold a Remote Pilot Certificate. Recreational flyers can also access LAANC by taking the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and submitting a request on the date of their planned flight, up to 90 days in advance.
In LAANC-enabled areas, authorisations are provided through FAA-approved companies known as UAS Service Suppliers (USS). These companies offer desktop and mobile applications through which drone pilots can submit their authorisation requests and receive critical safety information. Drone Zone provides authorisations for airports that are not LAANC-enabled, but these are not provided in near-real-time.
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Airports can object to model aircraft near them
In May 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) abolished the five-mile rule, which previously restricted model aircraft and drones from flying within five miles of an airport without first obtaining permission from the airport and its control tower. While the five-mile rule is no longer in effect, recreational and commercial drone pilots must still request authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone before flying within controlled airspace near airports. This means that even if you are flying more than five miles from an airport, you may still need authorization if you are within controlled airspace.
Controlled airspace refers to areas where air traffic services are provided and is typically found around busy airports. To determine if you are flying within controlled airspace, you can use resources such as the B4UFLY app or refer to sectional maps. If you are within controlled airspace, you must obtain airspace authorization, which can be done through the FAADroneZone or platforms like AirMap or Skyward, which offer instant authorization through the FAA's Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC).
It is important to note that even with authorization, airports can object to the operation of model aircraft within five miles if they believe it would endanger the safety of the airspace. However, they cannot prohibit or prevent the model aircraft operator from operating within that radius. As a remote pilot, it is your responsibility to ensure you are following all applicable rules and regulations, including complying with any objections raised by the airport operator.
While the specific regulations may vary depending on your location, it is always essential to prioritize safety when operating model aircraft or drones near airports. By following the appropriate procedures and maintaining open communication with the relevant authorities, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable flying experience for everyone involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need to request authorisation through LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
You can request authorisation through LAANC or FAA DroneZone.
You may be subject to penalty.
Ensure that you are following the rules and regulations provided by the aviation administration.
Yes, but you still need to request authorisation if you are within 5 miles of an airport.
