Augustus Brian
Second Officer
Flight distance : 397592 ft
United States
Offline
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OttoMaddox:
My experience is similar:
I live within the 5 mile radius limit of a major Air Force base (actually within 2 miles). I contact the tower, via a special UAS hotline (set up by some airports for us--some even allow texted requests), before each flight. Always on tap is my name, flight plan(times up and down, max. height and location), and a phone number. When I land, I also call as a courtesy. Tower personnel are always friendly (I was once asked what kind of bird--when I said P4, he said he flew the P2 and the P3A). When TFRs are set (rarely in my area), I don't call and I don't fly. Outside of 5 miles, I don't call.
I been told this is overkill. However, I'm fine with the procedures. If local law enforcement intrudes (which does happen), I have verifiable information to give them to satisfy their curiosities. Most LE, if jumpy, settle down rather quickly when you spout FAA regulational language (max height, not flying over people, sports events, state parks, etc.).
Download UAV Forecast for you phone or tablet. It not only provides weather info, but includes maps displaying airports and TFRs. My area was sprinkled with TFRs during the Holiday season, now cleared.
In general, I would say that the information/procedures/awareness is extremely uneven throughout the states/regions/airports, but that the situation is improving and stabilizing.
AlecW: Except that California is a two-party consent state: Both parties to a recorded conversation must be informed that the recording is taking place, or it is deemed illegal.
Keep Smiling,
Augustus
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