Hello - Newbie Part 107 seeking wisdom.  I have read the law and numerous other items and many times they seem to contradict each other.  Can someone please tell me their inturpertation of flying within 5 miles of an airport.  Savannah, Ga Airport, Class C.  Site is 4 miles from the airport.  I have seen many things say notify the ATC.  I did this and the ATC is saying I need a Part 107 waiver.  Okay so if this is the case then my understanding is that it can be 90 days before you get something back.  Various other companies I know of fly in this area all the time.  Am I too assume they are waiting 90 days on this each time.  This is curious because I also work for a firm that has hired drone video work numerous times in the past year.  (Thus spurring me to take up drones)  Each time we have recieved a product within a week.  Someone throw me a bone.  Thanks!

Hi - first thing you need to do is determine which rules you're flying under?  If you have a Part 107 certificate, then you have a choice of flying under Sec 336 / Part 101 or flying under Part 107.  

If you wish to fly under Sec 336 / Part 101, then you should read Sec 336 line by line and understand it in its entirety.   That is where the 5 mile thing comes in.  You can call the airport/tower directly.  Read it and be sure you understand everything - because it's important you understand everything you need to do to qualify your model aircraft to fly under the Special Rule:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Sec_331_336_UAS.pdf

If you wish to fly under Part 107, then you should know the rules already because you had to learn them to get the certificate, I believe.  The basic rule is, you have to get tower approval to fly in controlled airspace, but you have to do it indirectly, meaning you may not simply call them - you need to request authorization online.  You can use the online portal on the FAA site:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/.  

Also LAANC is here now or is coming soon to your area which will allow instant approval for flying in controlled airspace, although it may not work for your area yet or your airport.  You can research that if you want. https://www.faa.gov/uas/programs_partnerships/uas_data_exchange/

What is controlled airspace?  Since you're flying a drone, it's surface airspace around an airport of Class B, C, D, and sometimes E.  Its size and shape will vary depending on the class and the airport.  You should check your specific airport using a tool such as airmap or a sectional chart.  

If the airspace is not controlled, then you don't need to do anything - you can simply fly, but do it safely.

In your situation, it sounds like you're trying to fly Part 107 at Savannah, Class C.  Most class C airports have a controlled airspace radius of 5 NM at the surface, but you should check that because size and shape can vary.  So assuming that's correct, yes, you'd need authorization to fly at a site that's 4 miles from the airport.  Yes, it could take 90 days.  But I believe LAANC is working now in your area - starting today.  If you want to just have a little fun, you can fly at the site you described under Part 101.  Just give the airport a call and tell them you're flying as a hobbyist.  You don't need to request anything, simply advise them of your flight plan.  If they try to tell you that you need a waiver, tell them you're flying as a hobbyist and that you don't need a waiver.  Some towers are confused by this fact.  

Hope this helps

Mark The Droner Posted at 2018-7-19 11:48
Hi - first thing you need to do is determine which rules you're flying under?  If you have a Part 107 certificate, then you have a choice of flying under Sec 336 / Part 101 or flying under Part 107.  

If you wish to fly under Sec 336 / Part 101, then you should read Sec 336 line by line and understand it in its entirety.   That is where the 5 mile thing comes in.  You can call the airport/tower directly.  Read it and be sure you understand everything - because it's important you understand everything you need to do to qualify your model aircraft to fly under the Special Rule:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Sec_331_336_UAS.pdf

Thanks.  I have been browsing this LAANC information.  Im not seeing a place to apply that way.  Im sure  Im looking over it.  Any pointers on apply using the LAANC?

Mark The Droner Posted at 2018-7-19 11:48
Hi - first thing you need to do is determine which rules you're flying under?  If you have a Part 107 certificate, then you have a choice of flying under Sec 336 / Part 101 or flying under Part 107.  

If you wish to fly under Sec 336 / Part 101, then you should read Sec 336 line by line and understand it in its entirety.   That is where the 5 mile thing comes in.  You can call the airport/tower directly.  Read it and be sure you understand everything - because it's important you understand everything you need to do to qualify your model aircraft to fly under the Special Rule:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Sec_331_336_UAS.pdf

Found it.  Sorry.

Hi. Thank you for the inquiry. You can also use this link to check for No Fly Zone areas and how you can deactivate the No Fly Zone temporarily ( https://www.dji.com/flysafe?site=brandsite&from=nav ).