If you feel like you are in thick fog and are struggling to decipher the mysteries of FAA Airspace regulations as they apply to sUAS operations, you are not alone.
The following is a simplified poster version of the 2017 FAA Airspace chart with some additional operational flight information and rules (click on image for full size).
As for the operational part, here are my top 10 pointers:
- Don’t fly over people (§ 107.39)
- Stay below 400’
- Maintain a visual line of sight to the aircraft (§ 107.31), unless you have a BVLOS waiver
- Don’t fly after sunset (§ 107.29) unless you have an night waiver
- Don’t fly in inclement weather
- Be mindful of privacy and the invasive nature of sUAS based photography
- Get permission before flying over public, private, or commercial spaces
- Obey the “8 hours bottle to throttle” law
- Consult and study your area sectional chart before flying
- Always perform a site survey and physical risk assessment before taking to the air
Safe flying!
© Copyright 2017 Yaacov Apelbaum, All Rights Reserved.
The illustration is great, and idea if these rules are applicable to European or South American airspce?
These are US based rules. Europe or South America have their own local version which you should familiarize yourself with before you fly. Also, the pilot certification may be different. So, don’t assume that you can fly overseas with a US license.
Class E airspace is Controlled Airspace.FYI
Hi Rob,
Thanks for your comment. Class E is different then B-C-D-G airspaces because it gives you the option ‘to be or not to be’ controlled.
For an in-depth discussion on the subject, see Cyndy Hollman’s excellent tutorial on airspace types. You can jump to minute 7:43 for the specifics about E space.
https://youtu.be/nQqHMHxvmeA?t=468
Thanks for the illustration, it was great aid in studying for the part 107.
You are welcome. Good luck with the exam.