The new requirement to obtain an airspace authorization prior to flying a drone in controlled airspace replaces the old requirement to notify the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower prior to flying within five miles of an airport. Furthermore, they must comply with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions when flying in controlled and uncontrolled airspace. While recreational flyers may continue to fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace without specific certification or operating authority from the FAA, they are now required to obtain prior authorization from the FAA before flying in controlled airspace around airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing changes for recreational drone flyers mandated by Congress in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (PDF). It’s up to the drone industry – both recreational and commercial – to help with the efforts to educate new pilots. The problem with the new regulations is the same as it has always been – while law abiding and well informed recreational flyers will stay out of controlled airspace, no regulation will suffice to keep drone pilots who are simply unaware of the rules 5 miles away from airports. “But we see this as a very positive thing.”Īsked how the new regulations will effect Remote ID and Tracking capabilities: “It makes Remote ID regulations effective – we’ll be able to include recreational flyers in that initiative,” Merkle said. “We know that processes will evolve,” says Bristol. When the LAANC updates are complete, “It brings recreational flyers under the same process as commercial flyers,” says Merkle. She also points out that the new requirement to obtain authorization prior to flight in controlled areas replaces the previous regulation that required “notification.”īristol said that they are making several upgrades to systems in order to accommodate recreational flyers, including LAANC. Teri Bristol emphasized that the FAA Reauthorization Act did “affirm the FAA’s authority” over recreational flight, which means that they will need to obtain the same authorizations as commercial drones in controlled airspace.
“Including everyone under the same rules really does move everything forward.” On a media access call this morning, the FAA’s Jay Merkle, executive director for UAS Integration and Teri Bristol, chief operating officer for the Air Traffic Organization, explained the changes. “We view this as a very positive step forward for the safe integration of UAS,” said Merkle.
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