I just got permission to fly in my 3/4 acre backyard at anytime just so long I stay at tree level or under (about 100') AGL.  Very nice for testing battery life and firmware updates!  They are very reasonable folks!  I am sure it helped when I said that I registered my drone under the new sUAS system.  

Well that is good news.  Happy flying!

CaveDrone, thats great news to hear.  I'm 4.38 miles away from my area's airport. Earlier today I called their listed number from it's website, and talked with a lady that answered the phone. I explained my purpose for the call and asked for the number I need to call. I haven't called as of yet, but your post has my hopes up on the positive side.

I first contacted the operations manager by email and he replied that since I am less than 5 miles away,  that I would have to ask each time I wanted to fly.  He then gave me the email address of the tower guy that ended with faa.gov I think. (On my phone ,can't check right now) I emailed him and he said that he had no problem at all with my plans, but if I wanted to go higher or closer , he would have to revisit it.  

I'm curious:
If you are 3.5 miles from an airport, you are inside the protected 5 mile area of that airport, and your Phantom has software that won't let you fly there  
So theoretically you can't even take off, even with the permission of the control tower?
Where am I wrong?

arives@capecod. Posted at 2015-12-23 20:33
I'm curious:
If you are 3.5 miles from an airport, you are inside the protected 5 mile area of that ...

I think that you can't take off at the airport but as you move away from it you can. Say that you move 1 mile out you might be able to go X number of feet up.  At 3 miles out you might be able to go XXX feet up.

Sounds nice ! Merry Christmas !

if you read the details on how the DJI software works, it looks like there is a sloping no fly zone. I saw in one of the video's that it sais that flight is restricted the closer you get to the airport. so I guess his software let him lift off, wonder if it will stop him from going higher.

cacollins0220 Posted at 2015-12-24 17:09
if you read the details on how the DJI software works, it looks like there is a sloping no fly zone. ...

It sounds like your describing geo-fencing which isn't yet implemented as far as I know.

I think every situation is different,  in my case  I live directly perpendicular to nearest runway, I am not in any of the approach paths for any other runway.  There is a certain amount of trust that needs to be established.  SINCERE RESPECT AND CONSIDERATION goes a long way in any situation.  (sorry if it seems like I am preaching,  It's just the way I think).
I am going to try flying with the latest firmware today after work.  

DJI-Patrick Posted at 2015-12-23 23:53
Sounds nice ! Merry Christmas !

Thanks!  A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours as well

I'm basically in the same situation. How can you take off inside the red no fly zone?

CaveDrone Posted at 2015-12-24 20:36
Thanks!  A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours as well

Thank you very much !

I myself live 4.38 miles from an airport. At present time I am using:
Quad: P3P
App: Version 2.4.2
Aircraft: Version 1.5.30
RC: Version 1.5.70
OS: Ipad Air Version 9.2

At present time I can take off because I don't appear within the red "No Fly" zone. I don't know if the Firmware Version 1.6.00.40 will put me into the "No Fly" zone or not. If I did upgrade and I ended up in the red, all the calling to the tower I make wouldn't change a thing, until dji releases their geofencing app. CaveDrone may very well show a less then file mile radius "No Fly" like me.



I am not trying to change this thread subject, but does anyone know if v 1.6.00.40 would redraw my airport's red line out to the 5 mile mark?

tnhwyman@gmail. Posted at 2015-12-25 12:46
I myself live 4.38 miles from an airport. At present time I am using:
Quad: P3P
App: Version 2.4.2

Please don't be worried . The new firmware has nothing to do with no fly zone  .

I am at the same version as you no issues,  but get permission and save the email if question should arise in the future.

DJI-Patrick Posted at 2015-12-25 04:04
Please don't be worried . The new firmware has nothing to do with no fly zone  .

Good deal then. thanks for the info DJI-Patrick.

CaveDrone Posted at 2015-12-25 15:12
I am at the same version as you no issues,  but get permission and save the email if question should ...

Thanks for the tip via email save. Could come in handy.

They are being realistic. If you are a few miles away and an Airliner is at a few hundred feet you have bigger problems than your Quad!

arives@capecod. Posted at 2015-12-23 23:33
I'm curious:
If you are 3.5 miles from an airport, you are inside the protected 5 mile area of that ...

Picture the "No Fly Zone" as a funnel with the tip being the airport and the cone of the upper part of the funnel as the approach area.

Hey this is the perfect opportunity for me to start my new Multirotor Unrestricted Flight park.  It is becoming more and more restrictive with less and less places to fly,  and it's going to get worse.  However,  I happen to have 150 acres up in the mountains with no neighbors for over a mile,  and about 10 miles to the nearest airport.  Imagine the possibilities!!  I could set up a course for racing.  Maybe put lasers on drones and play laser tag.  Rent out drones.  Have a repair shop to fix the drones that crash while racing.  Sell refreshments and,  gosh,  the sky is the limit!!
Come on out to California CaveDrone!  You can be my first customer!  Special prices for charter members.  I'm gonna be a gazillionaire!

arives@capecod. Posted at 2015-12-23 22:33
I'm curious:
If you are 3.5 miles from an airport, you are inside the protected 5 mile area of that ...

I have no problem,  Went to 62 feet, tree height in my neighbor yards,  I have no trees.    

ryanmgreenlee Posted at 2015-12-24 08:21
I'm basically in the same situation. How can you take off inside the red no fly zone?

No problems for me, rayanmgreenlee

tnhwyman@gmail. Posted at 2015-12-24 22:46
I myself live 4.38 miles from an airport. At present time I am using:
Quad: P3P
App: Version 2.4.2

Red zone looks a lot more reasonable than the 5 mile zone

Kneepuck Posted at 2015-12-26 09:03
Hey this is the perfect opportunity for me to start my new Multirotor Unrestricted Flight park.  It  ...

Kneepuck,  sounds great, but being a charter member,  I should be free!    If you build it, I will come, especially if you have lodging!