- Joined
- Jan 16, 2016
- Messages
- 465
- Reaction score
- 130
- Age
- 53
I'm sure many of us in this forum have already ran into circumstances where we need to contact an airport and/or tower before we fly. So far I have had to twice. I thought I would share a few thoughts on how these encounters went and some things I think would make a positive difference in how these discussions take place, and how that will reflect on our hobby (Or industry, as it may be...)
In full disclosure, where I live and fly, I have only had to deal with very small, almost no traffic airports and have no real knowledge of how things go down when dealing with a large airport and their towers. But so far I feel like my interactions with the managers of these airports have been very positive. Both gentlemen have acted like they were both impressed and encouraged to hear from a drone pilot asking how to safely operate in "His airspace." They actually spend time with you on the phone describing the patterns and approaches to their airport and how you can safely avoid them. They even sound slightly interested in this "New Thing" in the aviation world, and have almost talked to me like I was part of the club or something. But mostly I think these guys have been RELIEVED to actually hear someone from this still widely unknown hobby of ours calling to make sure they are flying safe and stressing that we want to not only cooperate but guarantee the safety of those around us as well.
A few thoughts I've had on how to go about these interactions: 1) Know what you're talking about. If you are planning to fly close to "X" airport and know you will have to speak to them first, spend time looking at maps (Satellite AND topo) to get the lay of the land. Learn their runways, which are most used, the approaches, approach altitudes, etc. Know the difference between AGL and MSL and how they apply. When you are talking to an old pilot and can actually spout some facts and know some of the lingo, they are VERY impressed. 2) Have your flight plan ready to explain to them or show them upon request. That way, they will know that you are familiar with their airspace and how it operates and that you have obviously already planned to avoid the potential dangers. 3) DON'T just call them and inform them that you're flying close to there. Actually take the time to discuss with them some of the things mentioned above. This is THEIR airport. Nobody knows the safest way to operate there better than them. Make sure you are clear, by their explanation, of the flight patterns, etc. Then, make sure you keep this info in mind while flying your mission. 4)This shouldn't have to be said, but be VERY polite. I know, technically they can't stop us from flying in proximity of their airport, we just have to call and inform them. But showing an attitude of wanting to get along, go through a new hurdle with the least grief as possible and the desire to show our hobby in a positive light goes a long way.
I guess the biggest thing for me has been that when we first learned that we would actually have to contact airports and discuss these matters with them, I was a bit leery. I guess I pictured some grisly old fart on the other end of the line, growling that he didn't want me or my stupid drone within 20 miles of his airspace. So far the exact opposite has been true for me so far. I hope we can all have cool transactions with these folks and safely move forward.
In full disclosure, where I live and fly, I have only had to deal with very small, almost no traffic airports and have no real knowledge of how things go down when dealing with a large airport and their towers. But so far I feel like my interactions with the managers of these airports have been very positive. Both gentlemen have acted like they were both impressed and encouraged to hear from a drone pilot asking how to safely operate in "His airspace." They actually spend time with you on the phone describing the patterns and approaches to their airport and how you can safely avoid them. They even sound slightly interested in this "New Thing" in the aviation world, and have almost talked to me like I was part of the club or something. But mostly I think these guys have been RELIEVED to actually hear someone from this still widely unknown hobby of ours calling to make sure they are flying safe and stressing that we want to not only cooperate but guarantee the safety of those around us as well.
A few thoughts I've had on how to go about these interactions: 1) Know what you're talking about. If you are planning to fly close to "X" airport and know you will have to speak to them first, spend time looking at maps (Satellite AND topo) to get the lay of the land. Learn their runways, which are most used, the approaches, approach altitudes, etc. Know the difference between AGL and MSL and how they apply. When you are talking to an old pilot and can actually spout some facts and know some of the lingo, they are VERY impressed. 2) Have your flight plan ready to explain to them or show them upon request. That way, they will know that you are familiar with their airspace and how it operates and that you have obviously already planned to avoid the potential dangers. 3) DON'T just call them and inform them that you're flying close to there. Actually take the time to discuss with them some of the things mentioned above. This is THEIR airport. Nobody knows the safest way to operate there better than them. Make sure you are clear, by their explanation, of the flight patterns, etc. Then, make sure you keep this info in mind while flying your mission. 4)This shouldn't have to be said, but be VERY polite. I know, technically they can't stop us from flying in proximity of their airport, we just have to call and inform them. But showing an attitude of wanting to get along, go through a new hurdle with the least grief as possible and the desire to show our hobby in a positive light goes a long way.
I guess the biggest thing for me has been that when we first learned that we would actually have to contact airports and discuss these matters with them, I was a bit leery. I guess I pictured some grisly old fart on the other end of the line, growling that he didn't want me or my stupid drone within 20 miles of his airspace. So far the exact opposite has been true for me so far. I hope we can all have cool transactions with these folks and safely move forward.
