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Just wanted to share my experience filing for, and receiving, a Certificate of Waiver/Authorization for flying in Class D airspace under Part 107 in the United States. Long post, sorry! Hope it is interesting/helpful.
Background:
Request for construction progress video and photos to be taken once per month over a period of ~10 months. Construction site is located in Class D airspace near an AFB. I don't actually know if we are getting the job or not but I went ahead and proactively filed for the COA on the same day I submitted a quote. I did this for a few reasons. 1.) These things can take up to 90 days
eek according to the FAA. 2.) Gain experience for future requests. 3.) Show client I'm taking their request seriously and would be flying legally if they choose to hire me.
Timeline:
1/27/2017
Filed request for Airspace Authorization on the FAA website.
2/28/2017
Received email from FAA requesting more information and submitted response. It seems like the form was specifically related to the AFB and this step might not occur in other areas.
3/6/2017
Received Certificate of Authorization via email/PDF.
Takeaways:
For anyone that has gone through the process:
Were you turned down initially and later approved? What steps needed to be taken to make that happen?
Did any hazard mitigation items you included in the description of operation not make it to the COA?
How long did it take?
Did you request a certain time period? Were you given it or did they shorten it?
Hope this information helps you with your business, take care and fly safe.
Background:
Request for construction progress video and photos to be taken once per month over a period of ~10 months. Construction site is located in Class D airspace near an AFB. I don't actually know if we are getting the job or not but I went ahead and proactively filed for the COA on the same day I submitted a quote. I did this for a few reasons. 1.) These things can take up to 90 days
eek according to the FAA. 2.) Gain experience for future requests. 3.) Show client I'm taking their request seriously and would be flying legally if they choose to hire me.Timeline:
1/27/2017
Filed request for Airspace Authorization on the FAA website.
2/28/2017
Received email from FAA requesting more information and submitted response. It seems like the form was specifically related to the AFB and this step might not occur in other areas.
3/6/2017
Received Certificate of Authorization via email/PDF.
Takeaways:
- I requested and was given permission to fly up to 105' AGL.
- I requested only 800' laterally from the construction site but was given 1 SM. Possible 1SM is the minimum.
- I requested for authorization until January 31, 2018 but was only given until October 31, 2017. No explanation was given.
- Under the waiver I must call the tower one day prior to each flight and be available at all times by phone during UAS operations.
- The COA lists other requirements such as lost-link procedure, aborting operations in emergencies, following airspace restrictions like TFRs and prohibited space, and flying only between civil sunrise/twilight. Pretty standard part 107 stuff.
- I provided a very detailed description of proposed operations and safety mitigation procedures. Other than calling the tower my other safety items (minimum 1 visual observer used, visual communication between VO and RPIC in the event construction noise makes verbal communication impossible, flying only in wind conditions of 10MPH or less, anti-collision lighting on UAS) were not listed in the COA. It is unclear to me if that means I have to follow these (not that I wouldn't, I am very concerned about safe operation) or not. It may have been possible to get the COA without any of that information, I do not know.
- The 30 business days it took (possibly would have been 26 without the AFB form) to get authorization is better than 90 days but still....! Clients call all the time with last minute requests and I'd hate to lose work to someone who doesn't care about going through the proper channels. I keep hearing that the airspace authorization procedure will be streamlined in the future to where you can get approval/denial within 24 hours.
For anyone that has gone through the process:
Were you turned down initially and later approved? What steps needed to be taken to make that happen?
Did any hazard mitigation items you included in the description of operation not make it to the COA?
How long did it take?
Did you request a certain time period? Were you given it or did they shorten it?
Hope this information helps you with your business, take care and fly safe.
