Calling the Airport to Fly a Drone

Currently, FAA guidelines state that you cannot fly a drone within 5 miles of an airport UNLESS you contact the airport and control tower. I decided to give it a try by calling the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
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Current FAA rules can be found here:
www.faa.gov/uas/getting_start...
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Life On Tech
-Jared Serfozo

[@spryguy2008]

Great job calling. I'm an airport manager and we certainly don't want to discourage people from calling but we also have to look out for the safety of the aircraft coming in and out of the airport. You got connected to multiple people because these things are so new that everyone is still trying to figure out how to deal with them. Every airport is different but in our area I encourage people to call within 5 miles, however, as long as they stay below the 400 ft altitude and avoid aircraft, we don't really care. Where it gets tricky is where they are flying within a mile of the airport and/or near approaches and that can be a dangerous situation. I encourage everyone to enjoy the hobby but be smart and understand that safety is number one on everyone's list.

[@alanwolf5632]

Spry Guy Studios You an airport manager? It looks like it. Because an ATCO would never write “look out for aircrafts” , how will a drone controlled by an uneducated person separate themselves from a 250kt aircraft?

[@mtcampbell1]

Before you rip someone about their choice of verbiage, you may want to proof your sentences for proper use of grammar, parts of speech, and sentence structure.

[@alanwolf5632]

Michael Campbell Considering I’m Croatian, and as such English is far from being my native language, I am moderately curious how well is your Croatian. Please write me a proper sentence in it, and while you’re at it please use as good grammar as you are able.

[@mtcampbell1]

Alan, this comment has nothing to do with whether or not one can write properly in Croatian; please stay on topic. You were correcting someone on their English. My comment stands.

[@alanwolf5632]

Michael Campbell Hahaha you sir are misguided entirely. I never corrected his grammar, I pointed out that part of sentence because it is ridiculous to expect from a uneducated drone pilot to watch out for aircraft. I never corrected his grammar, if you read for once with understanding you would see what the point of my comments point was. Expecting a drone pilot to “look out for 250kt aircraft” is ridiculous.

[@KenHeron]

Very nicely done sir! Ask permission, know the rules. So very important. Best of luck with your channel!

[@jacksoncrosley-dronebuddie9231]

Hello Ken 3 years later

[@relaxingnature2617]

Hello Ken 4 years later

[@theoblivious2001]

Hello Ken 5 years later

[@quadcondor8619]

They're treating us like real pilots, we should take that as a compliment. We can still enjoy the skies and be legal at the same time, all good.

[@memberHD]

It's more that they are treating you as a person that has legal access to the airspace. The airport doesn't own the airspace, they just control it for safety. If you follow their rules, you will be get access without the risk of the FAA catching up with you.

[@BunnySk8rProductions]

its good practice for the tower guys too, the more this happens the easier it'll be for everyone

[@StupidityExodusHub]

You are REAL pilot. You pilot RC aircraft. You are not playing Nintendo

[@Homecolor2011]

Can you fly above 400ft if you call in your coordinates​ and altitude?

[@Lexesbenz]

Lewis Thomas I've been told that I can by an FAA operator. He told me to ask first.

[@audreyadair]

You are the most responsible drone pilot on the planet.

[@kevinharrington9148]

There are a few of us:) But we need to encourage more pilots to be compliant. It doesn't cost anything and is pretty easy. With every other person on the planet owning a drone we need rules and compliance to keep things from getting out of hand. I don't want to be the rouge drone pilot who causes a loss of life accident.

[@Mattykrab]

This is cool. I'm a new drone pilot, and found this video from a specific search term "youtube how to call faa drone". You definitely delivered haha. What I would be VERY interested in knowing, is how this will be streamlined in the near future, i.e. making this sort of communication with more "proper" aviation lingo, which I assume would make everything simpler for ATC to handle, since that's the business they deal in. Obviously they wont be able to handle hundreds of drone operators calling in all the time with long winded conversations. Perhaps something like Airmap is the answer?

[@yohanns6387]

Loss of life.... very real possibility, not really.

[@gailbeckerms.ed.2181]

Actually, it is required to call the control tower when flying a drone within a five miles radius of the airport.

[@kong3]

Yohann S Sorry you're just wrong. You forget small aircraft and even large. There is a youtube vid of drone hitting wing tip of commercial jet and you see parts of the ac skin flying off. I am a private pilot and a drone pilot. Its not hard to be safe.

[@blakem9109]

Wow, you can tell the difference between an air traffic controllers and everyone else just by how they talk.

[@JBMPPS]

Blake M concise and clear is key in their trade!

[@iz723]

I wonder if they talk like that at home. "Dinner will be ready in approximately 9 minutes, table set, TV off, we are go"

[@nukedaddy]

Actual ATC controllers know that there should be no airplanes that low that far out - even on final to a runway. Helicopters are another story, but they'll be aware of what those are doing.

[@88ThePilot]

As the manager of a local airport, if you call to notify me that you'll be flying a drone, I just take down some of your information, and tell you "happy flying". I'll also call the local police station, and notify them, so that if anyone complains about you, they already know that you have gotten permission from me (this is not at all required, but the local police asked me to do this to help them out).

[@gabrielsasala1875]

Doesn't tower have to approve this not Airport management

[@bellelise.]

@@gabrielsasala1875 I agree. No shooting in the dark.

[@25mrkeys]

I sure hope they give me the same treatment at Newark Airport 😅 Couldn't pull off at Weequaic Park which is about 3.8 miles away 😩

[@michaelomalley592]

@@25mrkeys I think it's mainly dependent on what the Airport is currently doing at that time. As it'd been stated in this video by the tower, it depends on the current operations taking place at that time and whereabouts you are located within the designated 5 mile radius and the altitude you're planning to fly.

[@dj-ne7kw]

well done

[@Thetdubs12]

Did the same thing with our regional airport here today.. only talked to 1 person. 78 second phone call. Cleared for takeoff 400' up and I was about 1.75 miles from the airport.

[@noahpolter3961]

Thetdubs12 were

[@samflorida1277]

Lol what a bunch of BS just to fly drome , Hi the police department i be driving my car today from my house to the job do i have permission to do soo .

[@sailingcruiser25]

The problem is when drones first came out people were flying then way too close to planes so that pilots could actually see them. So a couple of A-holes wreck it for everybody.

[@dcproductions126]

Same mat Montery Regionals Airport cleared for 400 ft. In about a minute

[@tevinjanuary6152]

Thetdubs12 you are a great lol but it do P demar me to come get drunk wit me asap or not home real funny how that works in a while but you doing this weekend if ya wanna get a ride with me real talk on phone number and address and I'll send it thru and what it would of told him that one time and where do we meet her there at all and it is a real buster you are not home right bout dat way mane nun much just chilling right after the plan was talking about how much we owe me for who you talking to April to June to get a chance can I come out of your day been doing a real talk on

[@JustAnOrdinarySimmer]

I contacted my local airfield if I could fly my drone there and was offered a part-time job in the process! win win!

[@LifeOnTech]

Awesome!

[@showsequences7034]

There's a publicly listed airport control tower phone number. Use that number first. Ask for the tower chief. This is the equivalent of the manager on duty. Give the location to them as if you were sitting in the tower about to describe the drone activity to other pilots in the area. "I'll be operating 4.8 miles south west of the field at or below 200 feet." That will instantly translate to them being able to alert aircraft "Caution for drone activity 4.8 miles south at or below 200 feet" As a full scale pilot inbound, I don't know the names of harbors, parks, streets, bridges, but I DO KNOW WHERE 4.8 miles southwest of the field is.

[@WelshHunter]

Personally I think they should have a drone line as one of the telephone options to the control tower for example press 2 for Drone Control. No beating around the bush then

[@rickfair3030]

good idea

[@janiemc9009]

That would definitely streamline the process.

[@acolyteoffire4077]

i see problems that could possibly happen in the future with that such as " who controls the airspace? the tower or the drone control group", " who is at fault if it comes to a collision " etc

[@shanethrussell]

Do not think that the volume of calls for drone operations would justify this in most controlled areas. But it is a nice thought

[@nicewhenearnedrudemostlyel489]

nah, it'd be better if people didn't fly drones near airports. it's super simple to achieve there is barely anything legal worth breaking the rule anyway.

[@marlbroj]

had to call my local tower today... on and off in less than 3 min... no hassle... told me don't worry about calling back unless i'm going to be closer to them or want to go above 400 feet

[@PilotPlater]

Exactly this. An aircraft 5 miles out should be around 1500' if they're on a 3 degree glide-slope as recommended for most airports. Even if you were to half it to 750 feet, that's still really fing high. 300' at two to three miles is a reasonable number for drone operators to keep them out of 90% of air traffic.

[@2dthoughts]

My local tower always goes to voicemail So after the 5th 6th time trying to reach someone I left a message with my info and that I may periodically be flying within the 5 miles and if it’s a problem give me a call back otherwise I’ll take no response as standing approval and not hassle them anymore.

[@swooshdave]

I believe you don't even have to leave your contact info. As long as you have left a message with the appropriate details (when, where, how high) you have officially notified them. But in your case I would have done the same thing and let them know that unless they call you back you will continue to call them to notify them of your flight operations.

[@2dthoughts]

swooshdave that sounds like pretty sound advice Next time I fly I’ll do that with the message I leave instead

[@pappaclutch3266]

You have to call every time before a flight. It’s the rule.. Maybe they will get tired of answering for such a petty issue and change the rules. Call them every time no exceptions

[@ferrisvlogs]

I'm an ATC specialist and all we care about is when, where and how high. We could care less what you do as long as you don't interfere with operations. And we're a military field!

[@alanwolf5632]

Steve Phares So not a real ATCO, gotcha

[@BlackOpSource]

Depends on the branch. Many or even most military approach controls work a substantial amount of general aviation or airline traffic. When I was Air Force, military operations were a minority of the traffic I worked, especially when New York went to SWAP. I was just as much a controller as the people working at the similar FAA facility one state over.

[@Jaysdatruth]

@@BlackOpSource im in the air force got a drone and i live actually 3.5 miles away from the base. Do i call CT on base and request permission?

[@BlackOpSource]

@@Jaysdatruth The new guidance is to go to www.faa.gov/uas/ but I'm not sure if military facilities are tied into that system, I know contract facilities often aren't. If the website isn't working out for you, contact the tower and they can point you in the right direction.

[@whoismatt]

Love this! Thanks so much for recording this. :D

[@LifeOnTech]

Thanks!

[@JamesIronSights]

Called an airport in my area and was told as long as I'm not within 2mi and stay under 400ft I don't need to make anymore notifications. I was very happy with how easy it was!

[@voloftn]

JamesIronSights They are smart to cut down on future calls. Any pilot will be well above 400 feet anywhere a mile from an airport. The 2 mile request is how it should be. I don't think it makes much sense to have to call the airport when your 4.5 miles away and not in line with the runway. As someone who can fly, altitude is your friend and pilots generally don't like to fly low.

[@AndrewWellsTV]

I called for the first time yesterday, and the guy I spoke to at the tower couldn't have been more kind and accommodating to my request. I will no longer be scared to call!

[@mattdempseyfilm1805]

I did this when i was flying in Scotland. They were so friendly and they thanked me for getting in touch.

[@derekjavaphotog]

I'm in the middle of nowhere in New York State, but within 5 miles of a county airport. I just called them. It was great! Only one transfer, then Ross said no problem! I asked him if I needed to keep calling him (I'm flying from my house). He laughed and said please don't. Good experience here!

[@derekjavaphotog]

Sean Michael I am in Warren County. Just give them a call! After you get permission, ask if you need to call every time you fly. Hopefully, they just say HAHA! No please.

[@thumpertorque_]

+DerekJava I also live in upstate NY and there's this airport called "Stewart International Airport" and my apartment happens to be barely within the 5 miles radius. Wondering if it would okay to fly a small drone like the Mavic Air without calling them.

[@MrFucdatbit2]

I live in the Town o Newburgh, im wondering the same thing.

[@xmr323]

Willys Metz best to call especially since stewart is a military airport in addition to a small civilian airport.

[@MrFucdatbit2]

Sean Maeder can I do it threw Laanc when it come to the Northeast? Also do I have to notify the FAA because it says it on airmap.

[@KevinSebesky]

Outstanding! FINALLY, a video on KZbin that shows sUAS pilots the right way to do things! I'm so tired of watching uncertified VLOG commandos flying wherever they wish without any circumstances. The ATC guy you spoke to was also very cool. He probably could've said no, but the fact that you went through all the channels to finally reach him must have made a difference. SRQ is within some pretty tricky airspace. They're Class C but have a Class B overlap with TPA to the north, so you know they're dealing with some heavy traffic. Good on him for recognizing your request, asking the right questions, and being polite about it. Anyway, thanks for posting this video. Hopefully it reaches the right people and becomes a matter of course for those who think they own the skies. Keep up the good work!

[@juniorvalentine8837]

Joe Glenn i haven't ever seen a pilot allowed to fly a manned aircraft below 500'. Do you know how many personal drones have caused any type of manned aircraft incidents? I do....NONE! This registration stuff is the type of monitoring and regulation that we have grown accustomed to accepting. Ben Franklin said that anyone willing to sacrifice freedom for security deserves neither. Wish the world had more men like him than mice like you.

[@loc4725]

+Junior's Samples Airports are an exception to the 500' seperation rule, or at least they are here in the UK. Planes will descend below this during landing maneuvers and also unmanned flight restrictions are usually in place around as planes may go below this altitude in an emergency.

[@BlackOpSource]

For the love of god don't listen to Joe. I was a tower controller the last few years. Street addresses are confusing - because I then have to pull up Google Maps on our tired old government computer - but "5 miles SW of the airport" is not, and we don't need to know the zulu time, that's retarded. We can also typically use place names if it's something reasonably well known like a city park. If we do not recognize a location, we will ask you to restate it in terms of distance and direction from the airport. Saying you'll be flying at such and so DME from a NAVAID isn't just silly, it's incorrect. Aircraft not equipped with DME equipment cannot know their slant range from a NAVAID. Joe, I've seen two comments from you talking about "how pilots do it." Talking out of your ass is not how a good pilot operates. A lot of what you said about zulu times and "professionalism" is just laughable - as in we would literally laugh at you after hanging up - but the DME thing is just factually inaccurate. In aviation, misinformation can cost lives, so a good pilot doesn't deal in it. Would it kill anyone if I (wrongly) said I was 3.9 DME from wherever, probably not. But take your own advice.

[@NightmareKato]

@@joeglennaz oh look, an armchair pilot. Please uninstall your copy of X-Plane.

[@itsDKRG]

As a pilot, I do appreciate you taking your time to call the tower to get a clearance, if you will, from them to fly your drone. I wish every single drone pilot did you've done in this video. I personally want to thank you. Fly safe.

[@nmfd31]

Now it's tap tap tap and you get a LAANC text message. So glad they made it easier and streamlined for us. Happy flying!

[@nicholashartzler2205]

10 bucks says this controller announced it to arriving aircraft. Advise: UAV 1 mile south of ringling bridge, Alt less 200 feet.

[@simongentry]

very cool - and definitely the approach to take - having an upbeat, friendly attitude when speaking to the tower or flight services is key. i would like to see, upon gaining ATC permission, being given an ATC approval number - which could be as simple as your FAA registered sUAS number - PLUS a flight approval number from the tower - especially WITHIN the variable 5nm airport radius. then when a police office walks over to you, tells you to land because he/she has some idea of how close to the airport you are, in addition to whipping out your sUAS Pilot Certificate, you have the controller's name, contact number (for confirmation) and the ATC approval number. I say this because you didn't officially apply with a Letter of Authorization or have a Certificate of Waiver - as you were flying right then and there. Also, I noted the controller mentioned you would be flying within close proximity to their Final - so that proof of approval seems more necessary than otherwise. thank you for posting!

[@LifeOnTech]

Good points. Thanks.

[@esdsix]

You basically said what I said..Deleted my comment : ). Good points!

[@EvantidePhotographyBellingham]

simon gentry a quick point to expedite the process is to say distance and direction. Leave out the location. Can someone confirm or deny... I was thinking you couldn't go over 200 feet in class D space because helicopters could be at 200?

[@michaelbowyer9501]

Black and White all and for VERY justified reasons. If your within the five miles, you do not fly. That's it...plain and simple. Fucking piss ants looking to bend rules to suit their own desires (who cares about the pilots and passengers that have to avoid dummies like this). I've got 3 drones and follow the rules to ensure I can continue flying my drone. It's this approach that's going to take a plane down, resulting in a disaster and all of us stop flying due to a national ban. Well done you fucking idiots!!!

[@EvantidePhotographyBellingham]

Not true. Plain and simple. Thanks for your eloquence. Just yesterday, here is how the conversation went. ATC: "Hello this is ATC" Me: "Hi I'm a part 101 drone pilot, I wanted to call and notify you that I'll be flying 2.5 miles north east of you, my max altitude will be 150 feet and I'll probably be in the air for about 20 minutes." ATC: "Sounds, just give me a call when you are done flying. Thanks." Me: "I'm the Part 101 drone pilot that called earlier, just wanted to let you know that I'm all finished flying. Thanks so much." ATC: "Great, thanks for letting me know and have a great day!" FAA has the guidelines for you to see on their website.

[@Realdavidart]

That's awesome. Towers and pilots are trying to figure out this new relationship. Respecting each other goes a long way to cooperation. Thanks for posting

[@Time2FLYAlDiaz]

Well done! Every time I try and call no one picks up. Thanks for sharing

[@FirstNameLastName-gw8hy]

My airport technically cleared me for under 200 feet but they were like “we can’t really do anything about it it’s under your discretion no need to call us when you need to fly”?? Within 3 miles

[@thisguyftw9874]

Your the opposite of Casey Niestat

[@campervanelvisitoofonyou8720]

He's a stupid rich fucker

[@trime-time]

Thisguy FTW those damn richers...

[@catsdgs]

Thisguy FTW *you're

[@JoeDoesBiz]

Thisguy FTW you're*

[@SarahGraveschannel]

*You're the opposite of Casey Neistat* you spelled you're and neistat wrong.

[@felixfong6532]

Oh, I just found out on the FAA Memorandum (Guidance for UAS ATCT Notification Calls) on December 23, 2015, ATCs were asked to acknowledge the operation and NOT use the word approved or imply approval if the caller requests to operate in an area where there is no perceived hazard. The reason is an approval implies consent and acknowledges the Air Traffic facility is waiving compliance of all CFRs by the operator.

[@nathan1sixteen]

I got to Embry-Riddle aeronautical university, which is right next to an airport. Our club has permission to fly on campus, 100 yards from the one runway. We are just told not to mess with the full scale and not fly when that runway is open, which isn't too often.

[@AdrianJNyaoi]

If only all drone operators are as responsible as you.....well done

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

All airport towers is gonna be bombarded with calls for drone permission in the next year or so LMAO TY for doing this, I’ll keep this in mind... 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JoesRCCorner]

Thanks for promoting safe sUAS operations and demonstrating how easy it is to call the tower and get permission/notify ATC.

[@JiminOhio1]

Thanks for posting your video on this topic. I respect your patience in dealing with the personnel at the airport. You are a good example for us all!

[@stevenchase5872]

Agree with the comments that say you should "request permission" not notify, You are in controlled airpace from the surface to 4000 ft I would assume technically they don't have to say yes.. . Sure the regs say "notify" but in common phraseology between pilots and controllers requests are made not demands. Listen to 20 mins of ATC to get a feel for it. I would go the route of just being professional and conversational and say " I am looking to fly a drone 4.8 miles south of the airport at 150 AGL or lower 15 mins from now." Those guys are busy and making the request in the same manner as a pilot will be efficient, understandable and likely to get a green light.

[@PeterJCimino]

Great video! My local tower is easy to talk to and has never said no! What is interesting is that the tower supervisors I have spoken with say I am the only one that actually calls before I fly. Which is like WOW! I know there are more drone owners in my area so what are they doing?? Thanks for posting this!

[@swooshdave]

I don't believe they can't say no but they can tell you if there are any operations going on that you will be in serious jeopardy of interfering with. They can object but can't refuse you from flying. "Can an airport operator object to model aircraft flights near an airport? Yes, an airport operator can object to the proposed use of a model aircraft within five miles of an airport if the proposed activity would endanger the safety of the airspace. However, the airport operator cannot prohibit or prevent the model aircraft operator from operating within five miles of the airport. Unsafe flying in spite of the objection of an airport operator may be evidence that the operator was endangering the safety of the National Airspace System. Additionally, the UAS operator must comply with any applicable airspace requirements." www.faa.gov/uas/faqs/

[@gb0ost]

the law says you have to notify, not get permission.

[@buddyclem7328]

The other drone pilots are probably doing what I do, and flying outside of controlled airspace, where no notification is required below 400'.

[@spiculum1836]

Nice to see it actually work and both sides helping to keep everyone safe.

[@WhirlOmar]

After all my research to buy a drone I am getting discouraged but that may be what the authorities want.

[@donlogan6837]

As a pilot for 30 years here is the deal. If you call them, tell them the VECTOR (radial) distance and altitude (the FAA maintains a database that tells them how high you can fly where) you will get permission under part 106. The proper request is, I am a UAS pilot providing notification to (name of tower) as required under part 106 of the FAA regulations. Key factors: 1. Know your distance from the airport. Your first use call the airport by its name from that point use the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airport code for that airport when you speak to the tower.2. Have your distance from the airport in Nautical miles to the tenth of a mile, remember a nautical mile is .17 miles MORE then a statute mile. 5 nautical miles is 5.85 miles on google maps or any ground based map printed3. sound like you know what your doing. 4. 4. Don't call it a drone."Good afternoon/morning Sarasota, N148FD (use your drones N Number or hobby reg. number) is a unmanned registered small UAs that will be flying today, 4.2 nautical and 5 statute miles from Sarasota Airport on a 040 degree radial with the nearest cross streets of A1A and main street flying today under part 106 from 4pm local time, today to 4:15 local time for a 15 minute flight at a altitude of 150 feet, if that altitude is acceptable to you. I am the pilot and my direct phone number is xxx xxx xxxx, should it be necessary to contact me at any time. I am familiar with FAA regulation governing my flight today and am ready to copy your authorization.then say nothing, answer any questions but stick to the script... When the ATC personal give you your clearance, write down and changes and read it back and that should like this:Copy Sarasota, read back: N148FD is cleared for operation 4.2 nautical miles from KSRQ on 040 radial for operation under part 106 from 1600 to 1615 hours today to a altitude of 150 feet, can I get your initials please?"XXX, (tower staff) your read back is correct, have a nice day."- Thank you for the help XXXWrite that down: That is IT. It should take all of 60 seconds and no more...Again try your best to refer to it as a UAS, not a drone. Be swift and concise with your words. Do not chat, get to the point and use as few words to do it as you can, that is what controllers are trained to deal with when pilots talk, do yourself and the system a favor and learn the lingo. This is a 45 second process if you give them what is needed and follow the process.

[@central-virginiaphotograph31]

Concur. Legal flight is largely about planning. You can't "Aviate, Navigate & Communicate" without thorough, prior planning. It should be easy to provide ATC with what they need, provided you have done your homework. Like Don Logan, I prefer to have a distance/bearing, but sometimes just use compass points when flying over more than a few degrees of space, e.g., "operating at or below 400 ft AGL, 5 miles North-Northwest of runway center/tower/reference point." As a practical matter, airspace belongs to the people responsible for controlling it - so I ask permission and record the confirmation when 'inside the ring,' but notify controllers when operating at or just beyond the airspace border. Controllers WANT you to communicate with them. Preferably, in their language - so study and practice is required. Fly (i.e. 'aviate, navigate & communicate') like a professional and you will be treated like one. I'm a Part 107 Remote Pilot. But I always fly as if I'm sitting in the left seat and lives depend on my actions - because they well might.

[@seth4321]

Don Logan Do you recommend communicating letters, names, and initials phonetically as well?

[@Boffin55]

Yes, it adds clarity.

[@CoopzVideo]

As a Tower assistant I get where you are coming from but I think it's a little over the top. Calling the tower by its ICAO designator? Giving statute miles too? Receiving and reading back a full clearance? It's a drone , not a plane (everyone knows what a drone is, no need to worry about calling it a UAS.) This advice will make people totally overthink what is required and will probably discourage people from phoning the tower, which is the opposite of what we want and what this video is trying to encourage. The way this guy did it was perfect, and if he had phoned the tower directly instead of the switchboard the whole thing would have taken less than a minute

[@freestyleskyline]

Don Logan just wondering but you reference part 106 a lot and being new to this I see part 107 is there a difference or is 107 just a revision or something?

[@BadOldBuzzard]

Appreciate that you are following the rules. Thanks! And thank you for sharing your positive experience.

[@ItsDonTrey]

This video is showing a good example for drone pilots. I find it great that you notified the airport that you'll be operating in the airspace. These drones aren't toys, they're real aircrafts just like real airplanes.

[@dojifly]

Great job, thanks. Taking my 107 test next month, we have way to many airports around the Houston TX area.

[@davidarnell2492]

I contacted a tower in anchorage AK 3 miles from the airport. They discouraged it but gave me the approval only after telling me to watch out for turbulence from other aircraft. All in all they were cool they just asked for a call when I was done.

[@sethdfilms]

Dude ur lucky! I did the same thing about 6 months ago when i was a recreational pilot, took about 10 min, no one from control tower answered me and it was a Weekday afternoon, and they kept telling me to leave a message, and I said I was only gonna fly probably about under 100 feet and gave all my info and etc, sadly, to this day I never got a call back :( , but I'm glad it wasn't a problem for you👍

[@johnacevedo1979]

Thanks for this this video. I am receiving my Mavic Pro this week and live with in the 5 mile radius of an airport. This video has at least given me a baseline on how to inform the tower of my flight. Really appreciate the video. Be well.

[@denaliaerial9971]

I've had really great interaction with airports local to st Louis and surrounding. Never longer than 1 minute conversations and always extremely courteous and professional.

[@Willam_J]

I don't know if anybody else mentioned this, but you should have gotten the name and extension number of the person who gave you permission. First of all, if the police get involved, it's better to say "I called the tower and spoke to John Doe" instead of "I spoke with some guy at the tower". They can then contact the tower and confirm it with that person. Second of all, if you want to fly there in the future, you'll know who to ask for. The next time you call, and don't have a name, you might get someone unfamiliar with the rules and just tell you "no". Anyway... I'm glad it went smooth for you.

[@Umarluch]

Well, I live in Poland which is sometimes treated as 3rd world contry, but we have developed application called Drone Radar that automates this whole process :) As far as I know developers are going to test it in US too this year :D

[@celeridad6972]

No way poland is 3rd world country you have a lot of great stuff and your income is not that low. A reference for 3rd worls countries is Central America (even all Latin america) part the middle east and africa are just too fucked up so they are something else

[@weston3303]

Doing things the right way like this brings the hobby one step closer to becoming a positive in the public eye. with so many sensational stories of mishaps from people who don't fly the safe way, the more we can come together as a community and prove that we're willing to follow the proper procedures, the more we can build reputation for this hobby. Awesome video, and good luck

[@BrentMills1984]

This is a great video. I've just been avoiding the 5-mile radius around airports to this point. It's good to see the process. Thanks for posting!

[@onthemoverealestatephotogr9655]

Wow he actually did it! Lol. Calling a control tower seems intimidating to me. I don’t want to bother them with my dumb drone flying request haha.

[@Brandon-st2mc]

its not dumb, drones are unmanned aircraft, not toys.

[@nulano]

It's better to bother them than risk an accident.

[@resignationscrewery5044]

I cant imagine there will be any planned flights at

[@alanwolf5632]

Resignation Screwery No, it is indeed better that a rescue helicopter hits a drone and they possibly die. Logic.

[@SYN420]

I tried to contact my local control tower... They told me to make a request through the FAA website and that it would take 60 to 90 days to get authorized. The tower wouldn't even talk to me... They just directed me to the FAA website.

[@punchdrunkatheist]

I actually used to live 1.2 miles from a small local airport and fly in my backyard and the fields on both sides of the house. Eventually they told me just to not even bother calling unless I was flying above 400ft or going to be in a new location that wasn't my home, haha. Apparently all the normal air traffic just knew my house and that I wasn't a threat and just stopped caring.

[@metalmapex7864]

I live in Ft Myers FL. And I decided to call and get some info on what they require to fly in and around my area. After a few different people I finally got to speak with the control tower. We had a conversation about my drone and if I was familiar with the FAA rules and such. After talk with him he told me I was the only person who had followed the correct procedure and he would be glad to NOT DENY my flight. He told me he can't approve drone flight because of what the legality of everything involves but he was glad someone is trying to do the right thing and get educated. So don't be afraid to call and get to know your local tower and what they expect, anyway good luck...and fly safe.

[@Subparanon]

In general I try to keep it under 200 feet or just above tree top level, far lower than any plane would fly. IE line of sight. Unfortunately we sometimes have planes go in a landing pattern near my neighborhood and we sometimes have crop dusters so I either don't fly, or call the tower. They are mostly concerned with large drones flying FOV at higher altitudes, not so much small drones doing roof inspections or flying over your house, around your neighborhood.

[@define44]

I did that with Venice, FL Airport and they were super nice about it.

[@LifeOnTech]

Nice! good to know which airports are cool ahead of time.

[@MrGuvEuroman]

People freak out when people do stuff by the book 😂 They just don't expect it.

[@liljohnnie69]

The 200 passengers on board the plane and the 100 or so at the potential crash site thank you, as do I. Well done young man. Subscribed

[@bengarcia9612]

This is great that you’re taking the time to do this it is very proper, only thing I’d say is when talking to a controller dont say “I’d like to notify you etc.” it isn’t unicom or anything since they are actually controllers you request and they tell you what to do so they dont take kindly to someone telling them something

[@ontario_backwoods_beekeeping]

see people that's how its done a phone call while having a coffee and they are usually good about it.

[@razing717]

2:15 that sounds like Maggie from The Walking Dead!

[@grandewookie]

😂

[@twosheafilms]

Very awesome! Good on you for going through the process as painful as it was!

[@seanmclaughlin8229]

Really great video! I like how you kept a really positive view about the experience through the whole video. There's still a lot of confusion about the how, who, when, why's of tower contact when it comes to flying drones. As a helicopter pilot who flies at low levels, I really appreciate you making the effort. You keep pilots like me safe.

[@xavier26777]

Tried to call mine, No answers. I live in the middle of nowhere, where apparently billy bob and his pilot buddy is never around their phone.

[@kevinharrington9148]

I always contact my close by regional tower. They just want my FFA registration number and the address that I'm flying at. Also altitude and time in air. Its really easy to be 100% compliant. And you should be compliant since people freak out over drones and call he cops all the time. I shoot real estate and include drone photos. I get the cops called on me all the time but when I prove that I'm compliant I have no issues.

[@NS10011]

How do you prove it to the cop when they show up. I live in Ahole land (NYC so you have to deal with NYPD) and i would like to know how i can just shut them up before they make it more then what it is, Especially if i already Notified the airport. I plan on flying just for fun. So more like 10-15min tops and I'm not trying to take the drone more then 200 ft. I also plan on having a Radio to listen to the tower while flying.

[@ephtea614]

You simply tell them you notified the tower and as long as your following local laws, have your drone registered with the FAA and notified the towers if within 5 miles then you don't have to "prove" anything. The cops can ask if your in compliance and as long as you are, you don't have to prove anything.

[@Reiflexx]

They (the cops) would have to call the tower/airport confirm your statement. But help them out, by providing the ATC's name, ph number, and any auth codes the tower tells you. It goes a long long way to let them feel you're working with them to help make their jobs easier. They'll generally return the professionalism & courtesy you give them, while the opposing person who call them is all tweaking out about your 2lb Skynet AI T200 Chihuahua-Yorkie mix kill-capture unmanned-unholy drone.

[@TheMetalmachine467]

Kevin Harrington there's a private airport by me that doesn't even have a published phone number they have no tower and when I Google map it there's no Planes in the satellite picture I quess this is one that's out of commission

[@gordonchibroski8919]

If you are flying for commercial purposes, real estate ads are commercial, then you are not legal if you do not have a sUAV Remote Pilot license. It is NOT easy to be 100% compliant. It cost me $250 for online training and a month of intense studying, before driving 50 miles to take the P107 Knowledge Test ($150). In many cases, if within 5 miles of Class B,C or some Class D airspaces you need to file an authorization online with the FAA and wait weeks to get permission. They are not even authorizing commercial use of a drone inside Class B airspace and just started authorizing Class C airspace on a very limited basis. Because of limited staff to enforce the present regulations the FAA depends on local law enforcement to challenge drone operators about their compliance with the law. Unfortunately most local law enforcement personel have not been educated on the details of the latest regulations causing harassment of legal flyers of commercial drones. You only call the towers if you are flying recreationally. I am not allowed to call the tower if I am flying commercially. The tower will get a notice from the FAA that I have authorization and my phone number to call me if any conditions change and pose a threat to safe navigation. Commercial use of drones by recreational operators is illegal and jeopardizes the businesses of compliant commercial drone operators.

[@medicfung]

thank you, you're a great example to follow. very cordial and professional attitude

[@funkpv1736]

Dude thanks for this video. Im preparing for the 107 test right now and it says to call the tower if flying close and i didn't think it was that easy! thanks for sharing this!

[@edruttledge342]

Recently in Palm Springs, California. Hearing impaired, I sent an email message to the person listed on the FAA page for the PS airport as the FAA contact. I requested a dialog to "establish a mutual agreement" on flying my drone w/i the five mile limit. I requested reasonable accommodation to conduct this dialog via email. I got no reply. The person listed as the FAA contact at the airport was an employee of the City of Palm Springs (the airport is operated by the City) so I contacted the public relations person for the City via email ... and got no reply. Then I sent an email message to the Mayor's office ... and never got a reply. Figuring I satisfied "due diligence" to comply with the FAA "Advisory Notice," I went ahead and flew my drone.

[@DonLandis]

You should apply for a waiver.

[@ballsislife6018]

Wow you have a lot of patience! Goood on you, love

[@NETBotic]

Lol, recording that call was probably more unlawful than flying the drone within 5 miles of the airport.

[@nicewhenearnedrudemostlyel489]

they both have stipulations allowing the behaviour, so no, they are both roughly equally unlawful.

[@donhgr]

In general, it is legal in most states to record a telephone conversation if you are part of that conversation, or at least one member of the conversation has given consent (protecting the conversation from being recorded secretly by an outside party). Specifically, in these states, you may record any phone conversation without getting the other person's consent.

[@Fishbone4u]

Flat Top indeed and well said! Texas is one of those states where only one party needs to know/consent. Florida I am not sure.

[@Shitty796]

Key word "probably". Means you don't know shit.

[@skytalon74]

Pawel goliszek lol. Yup

[@RiverMersey]

My senior ait tower controller will only communicate via email. Having opened a discussion with them over 2 months ago, they still haven't decided how to help my request. Your phone call lasting less than 10 minutes was a great result!

[@newqlar]

Well done man. Bit of a hassle but better be safe than terribly sorry... Happy flying.

[@TacticalSandals]

operator thought to herself "holy shit someone actually called for this?'

[@jeffdo9195]

you first said 300 ft then 250 ft. now 100ft then back to 150 ft

[@ceasar3696]

He first said under 300. Is 250 feet or 150 feet more than 300?

[@joelborden3242]

Zack L. AGL or MSL?

[@johnk1321]

@@joelborden3242 He is lucky because that altitude would be the same over the ocean. 1 foot over the ocean is 1 ft AGL and also the same as 1 ft MSL 👍 But from drone perspective and tower perspective it is AGL. I hear police choppers talking to ATC in terms of above ground.

[@MaryKayUlsamer]

Great video. At my small local airport I offer the coordinates and that I’m certified. They thank you for calling it in and ask you to call back when you’re done.

[@ElementofKindness]

. . . . and very, VERY good that you documented that. (and should every time) If shit hits the fan for any reason, you'll be glad you have that record.

[@manuelespinosa7569]

Most airports don't care as long as your not near or over 400ft. It takes longer to find the number to the towers then it does to let them know. Lol

[@YakMotley]

Awesome video! I have been asking the same question!

[@glenniesan8820]

Thanks for sharing your interesting experience. The first couple of representatives sounded a bit uneasy which is understandable. Nice that the final person was so pleasant!

[@junixsk8]

I was actually very discouraged from flying because I thought it would been a hassle, but i'm very impressed by your call. Il definitely be trying to call my local airport

[@firstcapt75]

Just like when you call public offices in Italy... 😬😂

[@DIYCameraGuy]

I cringed every time I heard you say "notify" instead of request permission. Thanks for making the video:D

[@colinschoolaveyron4048]

I was thinking the same.... however upbeat your tone a better choice of words can go a long way. Well done on the video anyway as it was easy on the eye.

[@scanjackson]

The law states that all we need to do is NOTIFY the airport. Not ask for their permission.

[@mjlembo]

scanjackson Yes you need ATC premission for where he was located. he was in class C SFC Airspace. You absolutely need Premission in his case

[@AV8R_1]

No you don't. Only if you're flying a commercial operation under part 107.

[@DIYCameraGuy]

I thought he was operating under 107.

[@rhettmccoullough6990]

Great job, great view. Here in Australia we have a 5.5 km distance from airports, so the "she'll be right, mate" creed seems to be in effect for us. But it's getting confusing even here. Helicopter landing sites (hospitals mainly) also have 5.5 km limit, but you can fly there until you become aware there is an aircraft on approach..

[@Quadcopterguide]

Nice work! Glad you at least gave it a try. You can tell that even some people working at the airport, which if you ask me should be sort of knowledgeable about drones and the rules, have no clue. Glad you got the guy at the end as the final person :)

[@LowLightVideos]

What a run around until the last person. A hundred bucks worth of people's time. Were you even flying higher than the Bridge ...

[@hawkteflon]

I wish Dallas / Fort Worth was as nice.

[@alexanderbullen-genis7575]

Super informative man! Thanks so much! I'm in Toronto, ON, Canada so we have some different requirements for this process but it's great to know the options in the states and helps for my future working towards a Part 107. Thanks!

[@iproplayzmc8036]

Mad respect for calling the tower and making the safe call. Odds are nothing's gonna happen but it's good to notify it 👌🏼

[@miniena7774]

I live within a 5m radius of this stupid helipad which doesn't even have a control tower and is rarley used.

[@TimTrott]

Try to keep in mind that you are requesting permission to fly in their space, not telling. Fine point, but important distinction. FAA is currently trying to shift to online permission to minimize distractions for the tower. They do have a job to do.

[@thatboy353]

agreed, hopefully a more streamlined system pops up soon.

[@JT0822]

Tim Trott The way I read it is that drone pilots only need to notify the tower of flight, not request permission.

[@richard3365]

The wording, as with most government documents, is just vague enough to cause you problems. Essentially, you are calling to warn the tower that you will be in the vicinity so they know not to route something through you... but at the same time if there's already something routed there they can tell you no you can't fly at that time. And yes, you won't be in the way of anything if you're at 200 ft and the airplane is at, say, 5000 ft... it's more of a ultimate safety "just in case" thing. UAVs physically can fly higher than the ceiling of 400 ft, so if something happens and you lose control causing it to fly straight up, suddenly without warning you're a hazard.

[@pmow]

section 336 rules: "when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation" No, the airport cannot withhold permission. I've always called the airport and have never been told they "discouraged" it. We an odd thing to say.

[@draconis0469]

If anyone cares to notice, our maximum altitude of 400 feet is usually well below traffic pattern altitude and that gives all of us at least 1000 feet separation from aircraft. When we are flying above objects it's the same and aircraft that are manned have rules of separation as well. So if we all follow part 107 and get proper clearance from a control tower in controlled airspace and the proper waivers for flying over people or at night we will all be safer and more knowledgeable about flight safety!

[@yaya2006]

Thank you from Toronto Canada. I will call in and do just what you did. After all I just want to fly my drone and take footages and have fun and not cause catastrophe.

[@BelowMinimums]

The controllers are great people and you can tell by the way the controller spoke to him versus EVERYBODY else he spoke to. They're there to work with you and help you out. Even though you're not a pilot they want to help.

[@andthentheresthetruth.4391]

As most things in our country, the only people that are going to be affected by these drone rules are the ones of us that actually register and try to fly smart. I believe this Christmas saw the biggest purchase number of drones yet so very shortly these towers are going to be inundated with calls and they will stop answering. Rules and regulations only punish those trying to adhere to them. The people that don't register are the ones that are going to be flying crazy and getting away with it. Sad

[@jasonowens1205]

I don't know the last time you climbed a ladder to 150ft and dropped a tape measure down, but clearly you were flying that inspirometer-ma-doo-hickey at 183ft to 233ft. Im gunna have to write you up.

[@jrosedds42]

This was enlightening, thanks for posting. Always wondered how they would respond, and how many people you'd need to speak to before finding someone helpful.

[@ScottGardnerTech]

LOL my office (and R&R facility) is RIGHT across the street from the SRQ tower! Back before FAA reg's, used to test-fly drones there, no problem - at l VERY low altitudes, of course! Not anymore! Since I FAA registered, etc., have avoided Bayfront Park because of the 5 mi. limit. Thanks for the video man! Now that I know I can just call tower, keep flight reasonable, etc. you can bet I'll be taking my drone(s) out there the next calm "golden hour" sunset we get! Thanks!

[@alex-suarez]

i called my control tower no one answered so i just flew my quadcopter

[@jakecalvello8207]

savage level 1000

[@Steelb-rg6to]

wowow 0182 your profile picture tho!!!! 😂😂😂

[@DatoAliffAlex]

wowow 0182 ahahha lmao

[@Dougy]

BRUHHH

[@TengoSKLZ]

I dont even call.. 2.3 miles from the runway

[@thecasualphotographer]

The small airports where I live never care. No hassles

[@stuarthay1]

Wasn’t the response I was expecting. Good on you and the airport.

[@CaptnDave69u]

Wow impressive on everyone involved. No disrespect or attitudes. Wish everyone could be this way.

[@davedrum6746]

SRQ is a controlled class c airspace. PERMISSION is required from the tower. Don't confuse this with uncontrolled airstrips that don't have a tower. The latter only requires notification, the former requires permission. As I understand part 107, notifying these uncontrolled strips/pads is not necessary as you are a licensed pilot and are governed by your obligation to see and avoid. Part 107, in no way, removes the obligation to gain permission to operate in controlled airspace--just as any other manned aircraft. Excellent job.

[@Chris_t0]

I like to land my drone on the wings of commercial airlines as they are just disengaging their parking brakes in preparation for take off. Its cool because the wings are so massive and its fun to land on them

[@heyjaypay4521]

Chris -0 I hope you're joking

[@tin2001]

Aviation Hub HD Nah.... Dead serious... He does it in GTA all the time.

[@fisherus]

Just to even make a stupid mention of that should ban you from flying forever. It's folks like you that cause the rest of us grief from people that read your nonsense!.

[@tylerjamesnewton1422]

Chris -0 You mean you can actually land on the wings of airplanes within range of the airport? I've got some time off this weekend, totally trying this. You know it's people like Craig Fisher that are really the sticks in the mud that take all the fun out of drone flight.

[@gavinwhite3871]

Umm can I just say turbulence af?

[@JamieKnoxWaller]

Awesome video! I had a similar experience with KALB , Albany, NY. They were very helpful and very accomodating

[@cineskies114]

This is awesome. I've watched a few times!! But wanted to say thanks for your time making a vid!! ✌️🚁💨