Recent content by HFI

I only completed items with the red asterisk on the submission form. Because they don't provide a copy once you complete it, I can't remember for sure, but in "Proposed area of operations:" I'm pretty sure I just put "Class G airspace." The authorization that I was issued is the same as most of...

Obtaining a Section 333 Exemption and an associated Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) is a complicated process. It also requires monthly reporting to the FAA. If you can meet your business objectives by using Part 107 and associated waivers, I would suggest you go that route.

That's not really correct. Cities, counties, states, etc. can all prohibit the use of drones ON their property. This means that you can not launch or land a drone from a park where the rules state drones are prohibited. Police are most certainly within their authority to enforce such local...

Here's the "advantage" of being able to fly under Part 107 when it comes to "airports." There are many, many, many, airports and heliports within Class G. The 5-mile rule applies to ALL of them (just check out the FAA's B4UFly app!). Therefore, if you the hobbyist cannot reach the owner...

Just got the approval in my email dated 16 March. It's good for 4 years. Now all I need is for Verifly to start insuring night operations!

I'm pretty sure that the folks at FAA HQ coordinate with the local ATC facility responsible for the airspace you are asking to fly in (in the case of an airspace authorization/waiver). So the responses will vary based on the local view of how to integrate your operation. FYI I filed a request...

Just got mine receipt confirmation after less then 24 hrs. Phew! HFI

Quick question - after clicking on the "submit" button did you get a confirmation email nearly immediately or did it take several hours/days? I submitted my request last night, got the green successful submission message, but I have not yet received a confirmation email. I'm just wondering if I...

Hey there and welcome! My daughter lives in southern Indiana so we visit quite a bit.

I agree. Anyone can open a business, but those that succeed do so because they have a passion and talent. I think that is what will separate many of us from "any Joe Blow" with a camera drone.

Speaking of expos, anyone planning on showing up at the 2016 National Drone Show in Washington D.C.?

I'n mot sure how many FAA staff are looking at the waiver requests, but it's probably not enough and they are likely to be overwhelmed. I agree that giving the submitter more information would help to ensure success. Coincidentally, look at this recent statement from the FAA addressing the...

Hi Jason....I've been an air traffic controller and worked in airspace design for a long time. I honestly don't know what you are referring to (airport sector maps) unless it is the Facility Maps that the FAA is using to identify areas in which sUAS may fly. If that is the case, they are...

It's interesting that, although 81 airspace authorizations have been provided that include a COA as shown in the video, none have been published on the FAA's Part 107 Waivers Granted web site. The section on Operation in Certain Airspace is 107.41. Any guesses as to why this is?

Consider that the FAA is a government agency subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA requests for specific waivers will have to be honored. When Sec 333 and COAs were filed, the complete package was made available to the public. I imagine to head off a large number of FOIA...