Flying your Drone / UAS at an Airport

What procedures do you need to do to fly your Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) at an airport?

Mixing drone and manned aircraft is dangerous and is heavily regulated by the FAA, but there are some things you can do to help ensure safe drone operations adjacent to and at airports.

Prior to obtaining authorization, determine what class airspace you would be flying your UAS in. If you are flying at an airport with Class B, C, D, & Surface E, or “controlled airspace,” you must complete a Part 107 Airspace Authorization or a Waiver Application through FAA’s sUAS online management system, DroneZone.

The Airspace Authorization or Waiver Application can be completed online at: faadronezone.faa.gov.

Using your account, select: “Create Part 107 Waiver/Authorization”

Typically, you will request an Airspace Authorization for flying your drone at the previously stated class airports.

A waiver is a more permanent request for a longer duration of time and requires more extensive review and approvals.

To obtain a waiver, complete the following steps:

1. Fill out the general information for your flight.
2. Complete your operation parameters.
   1. Include your association with the airport, the name of the remote pilot in command (along with cell phone number, to be reached in the field) and why you are flying.
   2. When describing your operation, ensure that you include all safety procedures and precautions you will conduct during your flight, such as to meet or exceed the operational safety of operating without the waiver or authorization. Be comprehensive in your explanation. The fewer questions there are about how your operations are planned, the more rapid the review.
   3. When choosing your requested operation window, plan for at least two weeks out, to ensure the FAA has time to review the request before your window passes. If your window is near the end, the FAA will send you a friendly reminder along with instructions for requesting an extension on the requested operational window.
3. Review your request for authorization.
   1. Ensure that all information is correct. Be detailed in your explanation, especially regarding operation safety.
   2. Attach any supporting documentation such as a map of the proposed flight location(s) and any letters from airport owners or administrative personnel that requested the flight(s).

For uncontrolled airspace (Class G, or Class E), an FAA Airspace Authorization is not required, though all regular sUAS rules still apply. Maintaining close coordination with airport managers and having their cooperation in your flight is crucial, and an aviation radio tuned to the airport’s traffic frequency is strongly recommended. As with any drone flights at airports, the safest time to operate is when the runway(s) are closed. Runway closures are seldom, therefore having the preparation work done helps ensure that you’re ready for the short window of opportunity.

Complete FAA rules and regulations, and the DroneZone, can be accessed at: faa.gov/uas.