Roberta Aguirre
Drone pilots must receive authorization to fly near airports due to safety and security concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits unauthorized drone flights near airports, as they can pose safety risks to other aircraft and disrupt air traffic control. Drone pilots can request authorization through the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability LAANC program or manually via the FAA Drone Zone online. If you are unable to contact the airport or air traffic control directly, you may need to apply for authorization through the FAA Drone Zone website or a third-party platform such as AirMap or Skyward, which provides instant authorization through LAANC.
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What You'll Learn
If you're a hobbyist, you must notify the airport
If you're a hobbyist drone operator, you must notify the airport if you plan to fly within five miles of it. This is because the airspace within this radius is typically considered controlled airspace. In the US, controlled airspace refers to Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace, where Air Traffic Control (ATC) services are provided. The airspace surrounding large airports is usually Class B airspace, while smaller airports are usually surrounded by Class C, D, or E airspace.
To notify the airport, you'll need to contact the airport manager or air traffic control tower. Air traffic control tower phone numbers are not usually available to the public, so you may need to ask the airport for the control tower's contact information. You can also refer to online resources, such as apps or websites, to identify the class of airspace where you plan to fly and to find contact information.
Once you have the relevant contact information, you can proceed to notify the airport and air traffic control tower of your intended drone operation. It is important to provide details such as the nearest airport, the class of airspace, and a description of your planned activity.
After notifying the airport, you will also need to obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace. This can be done through the FAA's LAANC program or manually via the FAA Drone Zone online. LAANC provides near-instant authorization through mobile or web applications, while manual authorization through the FAA can take up to 90 days.
By following these steps, hobbyist drone operators can ensure they are compliant with regulations and help maintain safe drone operations near airports.
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You can get instant authorisation through LAANC
If you are unable to contact an airport about your drone operations, you can still gain instant authorisation to fly in controlled airspace near airports through the Low Altitude Authorisation and Notification Capability (LAANC). This is a collaboration between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and private industry partners.
LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace authorisations. Requests are checked against multiple airspace data sources, including UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, Airports and Airspace Classes, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). If approved, pilots can receive authorisation in near-real time. Drone pilots planning to fly below 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive this authorisation from the FAA before they fly.
LAANC is available at 726 airports, providing access to controlled airspace around 732 airports in the US. Drone pilots can apply for an authorisation through an FAA-approved UAS Service Supplier (USS). The desktop applications and mobile apps to utilise the LAANC capability are provided by the UAS Service Suppliers. Aloft is the leading UAS Service Supplier, processing half of all monthly LAANC authorisations in the US.
To apply for a LAANC authorisation, pilots must submit a request for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports. This is available to Part 107 pilots and recreational flyers. Pilots can apply up to 90 days in advance of a flight, and approval is coordinated manually through the FAA. Drone pilots can also submit a “further coordination request” if they need to fly above the designated altitude ceiling in a UAS Facility Map, up to 400 feet.
LAANC provides transparency to Air Traffic Control and law enforcement, allowing them to contact a drone operator if needed. It is important to note that LAANC authorisations are only for airspace. Pilots must still check NOTAMs, weather conditions, and abide by all airspace restrictions.
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Or, apply manually via the FAA Drone Zone
If you are unable to get in touch with an airport to fly your drone, you can apply manually via the FAA Drone Zone. The FAA's Drone Zone is an online platform that allows drone pilots to request authorisation to fly in controlled airspace near airports. This is typically required when the airport in question does not offer LAANC (the FAA's program that provides real-time access to controlled airspace near airports).
To apply for authorisation through the FAA Drone Zone, you will need to provide certain information, including the nearest airport, the class of airspace, and a description of your planned activities. It is important to note that this process may take longer than the automated LAANC approval process, which provides instant approval if your request is granted.
When submitting your application through the FAA Drone Zone, carefully review all the information you have provided to ensure it is correct and accurate before clicking "Submit". After submitting your application, you can manage your Part 107 waivers and applications by clicking on the "Confirmation" screen. This will allow you to view the status of your pending requests.
In addition to requesting authorisation for controlled airspace, the FAA Drone Zone is also used to register your drone. All drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) must be registered, and the registration costs $5 per drone, valid for three years. Once registered, you will receive an FAA registration certificate, which you must have in your possession when flying your drone. This certificate must also be presented to any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer upon request.
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You must avoid manned aircraft
If you are unable to contact an airport about your drone, it is likely because you are flying in uncontrolled airspace. Uncontrolled airspace is airspace without a control tower and radar. Manned pilots in uncontrolled airspace rely on their eyes and radios to navigate safely. Therefore, even if you are unable to contact an airport, you must still avoid manned aircraft.
Drone operators should always get in contact with the airport manager if operating close to an uncontrolled airfield. The airport manager can make other pilots aware of your drone operation and update automated airport advisories that pilots listen to in order to avoid certain areas.
If you are flying in controlled airspace, you will need to receive airspace authorization. Controlled airspace is any airspace in which Air Traffic Control (ATC) services are provided. The airspace surrounding large airports is usually Class B airspace, while smaller airports are usually surrounded by Class C, D, or E airspace. Controlled airspace reaches the ground near Class B airports, so you will need authorization to operate within a 5-7 mile radius of them.
You can receive airspace authorization through LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) or manually via the FAA Drone Zone online. LAANC is an automated process that checks sources to determine whether or not your request should be approved. If you are unable to get instant approval with LAANC, you can fill out the FAA's online airspace authorization form.
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Controlled airspace is within 5-7 miles of airports
Drone operators must receive authorisation to fly in controlled airspace. This can be done through LAANC (via Kittyhawk or AirMap), or manually via the FAA Drone Zone online. Alternatively, drone pilots can use a platform like AirMap or Skyward to get instant authorisation through the FAA's Low Altitude Authorisation and Notification Capability (LAANC).
Air traffic control tower phone numbers are usually not available to the public, so drone operators should contact the airport manager to find out if there is a control tower and, if so, the phone number. If operating close to an uncontrolled airfield, it is recommended to contact the airport manager to make other pilots aware of the drone operation.
It is important to note that even with airspace authorisation, drone operators must use common sense and stay out of the way of manned aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are unable to get through to the airport or ATC, you should try to find an alternative contact number. If you are unable to reach anyone, you should not fly your drone.
Air traffic control tower phone numbers are not usually available to the public. In this case, you should contact the airport manager, who can make other pilots aware of your drone operation.
If you are unable to get instant approval through LAANC, you should fill out the FAA's online airspace authorization form. This can take up to 90 days to process.
There are a number of alternative options to gain approval. You can apply for a waiver, or you can contact the airport directly and ask for the contact details of the control tower.
You should not fly your drone within 5 miles of an airport without prior approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should find an alternative location to fly your drone.
