How I Got Class D Airspace Authorization - DroneTribe
https://dronetribe.io/class-d-airspace-authorization/
Step 1: Plan Your Operation Step 1: Plan Your Operation
This is the most important step.
Ask yourself these questions: What are the coordinates of this operation?
How far from this coordinate might the operation be performed?
What is the max elevation required for this operation? Be conservative with your estimates, but identify the minimum values needed for this operation.
To find the coordinates of this operation, pull up Satellite view. Now convert these decimal coordinates to degrees minutes and seconds. The easiest way to do that is with this .
21.467780 degrees latitude = 21° 28' 4.008" N latitude
-157.815239 degrees longitude = 157° 48' 54.8598" W longitude
Now, using these decimal coordinates, scroll around in moving the center of the map "+" until you align the GPS coordinates from your desired operation (N21° 28' 4" W157° 48' 54") We see here that it is within Class D airspace.
Please note: By checking the , we can find the effective hours for this Class D airspace.
In this case, on the desired operational day (Monday May 1, 2017), the airspace is Class D.Step 2: Fill Out the FAA Airspace Authorization Request Form Step 2: Fill Out the FAA Airspace Authorization Request Form
There are from the FAA on how to fill out a waiver/airspace authorization request.
To fill out your airspace authorization request, start at the online form on the FAA website.
Below is a screenshot of my exact request for Class D airspace:
Completed FAA Class D Airspace Authorization request form.Step 3: Wait Step 3: Wait
Unfortunately, everything is reviewed manually by the FAA. Prior to April 2017, most operators submitting for waivers/airspace authorizations did not even receive confirmation that their request was submitted.
This has changed as of April 2017, where the FAA is including reference codes when each submittal occurs.
I submitted this Class D Airspace Authorization on January 28, 2017, and received notice on March 31, 2017.
Note how I requested a date of operation (May 1, 2017) over 90 days in advance. It is essential right now to give the proper notification to the FAA for them to approve it.Step 4: Receive Airspace Authorization Step 4: Receive Airspace Authorization
I received my authorization in a PDF via email on March 31, 2017.
It included details on about who to contact and how far in advance (24 hours, 30 minutes prior to flight, and immediately upon completion of sUAS flight operation).
There are also details for Emergency/Contingency Procedures, such as lost link or lost communication with the sUAS.
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DA: 51 PA: 83 MOZ Rank: 25
