I believe that the problem is DJI and not the regulations. In the US, the FAA has issued an "advisory" AC No. 91-57A which states:
"(5) When flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the model aircraft provides the airport operator or the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation. Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport)."
So the FAA is advising (the drone operator) to provide prior notice to the Airport for safety purposes. It is not prohibiting or restricting anything!
Somehow, DJI has taken it upon themselves, to prohibit the flight of DJI brand of UAS in these areas! I believe this is not right!. As the "Editor" mention earlier, the software should advice the operator of the proximity to the Airport but not restrict the flight!
I believe that an "override" should be available to Commercial Operators and to anyone else that wants it! As a Certified Pilot, I know that I can not fly in certain locations such as Area 51, Washington DC, or into any TFR. No aircraft in the world that I am aware of, has anything in them that prevents them from flying in those areas. The pilot makes the decision.
As an active EAA Member I have been asked to fly and answer questions to the public about drones, during an event at my local airport. No commercial operations, no money exchanged. The Airport felt that since the FAA classifies them as "aircrafts", the airport will benefit from the education to neighbors of the risks of flying drones near manned aircraft.
"(5) When flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the model aircraft provides the airport operator or the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation. Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport)."
So the FAA is advising (the drone operator) to provide prior notice to the Airport for safety purposes. It is not prohibiting or restricting anything!
Somehow, DJI has taken it upon themselves, to prohibit the flight of DJI brand of UAS in these areas! I believe this is not right!. As the "Editor" mention earlier, the software should advice the operator of the proximity to the Airport but not restrict the flight!
I believe that an "override" should be available to Commercial Operators and to anyone else that wants it! As a Certified Pilot, I know that I can not fly in certain locations such as Area 51, Washington DC, or into any TFR. No aircraft in the world that I am aware of, has anything in them that prevents them from flying in those areas. The pilot makes the decision.
As an active EAA Member I have been asked to fly and answer questions to the public about drones, during an event at my local airport. No commercial operations, no money exchanged. The Airport felt that since the FAA classifies them as "aircrafts", the airport will benefit from the education to neighbors of the risks of flying drones near manned aircraft.