I know you're adamant about this, but you are not correct according to all published guidance at this time. I understand exactly what the regulations state, and that JO 7200.23 isn't effective until 10/3/2016. The currently applicable guidance is found in Advisory Circular 107-2, dated 6/21/16, which states:
5.8 Operation Near Airports; in Certain Airspace; in Prohibited or Restricted Areas; or
in the Proximity of Certain Areas Designated by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
Though many sUAS operations will occur in uncontrolled airspace, there are some that
may need to operate in controlled airspace. Operations in Class B, Class C, or Class D
airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace
designated for an airport, are not allowed unless that person has prior authorization from
air traffic control (ATC). The link to the current authorization process can be found at
www.faa.gov/uas/.
I could't be any clearer. That's the
current authorization process in effect 8/29/16 and today, 9/2/16. That also happens to be the same process that goes into effect 10/3/16 via JO 7200.23. It doesn't say that the web link is one of the acceptable methods or that other methods of obtaining permission are acceptable. There is no other published guidance that specifically states how to obtain authorization. Despite the ambiguity of the regulation, the ACTC is likely to follow the current guidance (AC 107-2) on the matter.
I would welcome anything you can find in writing to the contrary, or any experience you have with actually obtaining airspace permission.
To try to get some practical answers, I just spoke with the ATCT at KFMY and KAPF and neither had any clue and were not prepared to issue any airspace authorization under Part 107. The RSW tower directed me to RSW's FAA business office, and I spoke to the gentleman that completed the area's sector map that was submitted to the FAA for the JO 7200.23 process. He was familiar with Part 107 regulations. He was under the assumption that all Part 107 airspace authorizations were handled though HQ. He also mentioned that they hadn't received training the FAA promised 45 days prior to implementation. Nonetheless, none of my local control towers were prepared to issue an airspace authorization to a Part 107 remote pilot.
If your ACTC does provide permission, they are not following the guidance in the currently applicable Advisory Circular. While they may not be bound by the AC, it is the de facto standard and further explains how to comply with the regulation in Part 107.41. If you are granted permission by the ATCT, you would be well served to document it somehow and be prepared to explain why you accepted authorization using anything other than the published guidance. I wouldn't take the risk. They can come after your CFI or Private license for violating a Part 107 rule, so those of us with manned pilot credentials have a lot to lose with Part 107 violations, especially if you are deemed to have been reckless.
Dave, I'm not trying to get into a debate with you or prove you wrong. I simply want to share what I have learned with the community and help everyone make this journey less frustrating. The FAA and ATC personnel are equally confused with new Part 107 pilots on various online forums that thought this was going to be a simple call to the ATCT. It is not – not now or in the near future.