Drone pilots operating near towered and nontowered airports can get help deciphering FAA guidance and learn more about best practices from a new AOPA fact sheet.
“We get calls every week from drone pilots who want help unraveling FAA requirements for their operations,” said Rune Duke, AOPA director of airspace and air traffic. “The fact sheet is a straightforward, easy-to-use reference that we hope will raise awareness of how to safely conduct unmanned aircraft operations, especially in airspace that’s also used by manned aircraft.”
The fact sheet is designed specifically for hobbyists, and covers topics that include how to get in touch with airport management about planned drone operations, what information to provide, and how to determine whether a planned flight is legal.
AOPA also provides additional fact sheets for drone operators, including registration requirements and information about filing an exemption request to conduct commercial operations.
“Unmanned operators are the fastest-growing segment of the aviation community, and we want to help them fly safely and avoid potential conflicts with manned aircraft,” said Duke. “AOPA will continue to work with the pilots of both manned and unmanned aircraft to make sure we can safely share the skies and enjoy all that aviation has to offer.”
AOPA is actively engaged in working with the FAA and industry to ensure that regulations affecting drone operations protect the pilots of manned aircraft without imposing undue burdens or costs on drone operators. AOPA serves on FAA rulemaking committees for both unmanned aircraft systems and micro UAS.
