- Joined
- Jan 9, 2014
- Messages
- 22
- Reaction score
- 2
Saw a demonstration Wed of P3 Pro
I was impressed with what I believe would be a relatively short
learning curve to be able to fly it with some degree of confidence.
I thought that the altitude restriction of 400’ AGL mentioned during the demo would not pose a significant disadvantage.
However, I did some research and discovered that there are airspace
restrictions that preclude the operation of drones at any altitude.
The restrictions imposed by the FAA are especially significant.
The link will open the AOPA’s Airmap. The mapping program reveals
5 mile radius circles of airports in your area of concern. Regulations require
that any drone operations within the airspace enclosed by these circles
be cleared with—approved by—the appropriate Airport Traffic Control Tower(s) prior to each operation.
My experience as a pilot tells me that our FAA Air Traffic Controllers really do not want to deal with nearly invisible flying objects complicating their already busy airspace. Drones aren’t equipped with Mode C (altitude squawking) radar transponders that would show where they are and there is no radio communication between the tower and the drone operator.
I agree that--depending on how close to the airport center the drone is--a 400 AGL limit
would seem to preclude a collision or conflict with air traffic.
The point is that I believe the guys in the tower would just as soon not have
any concern with drone operations in their control zone and be reluctant to allow them.
This reluctance would, in my opinion, prohibit or delay the use of the drone
over large areas as are evidenced by the linked map.
AirMap.io
I was impressed with what I believe would be a relatively short
learning curve to be able to fly it with some degree of confidence.
I thought that the altitude restriction of 400’ AGL mentioned during the demo would not pose a significant disadvantage.
However, I did some research and discovered that there are airspace
restrictions that preclude the operation of drones at any altitude.
The restrictions imposed by the FAA are especially significant.
The link will open the AOPA’s Airmap. The mapping program reveals
5 mile radius circles of airports in your area of concern. Regulations require
that any drone operations within the airspace enclosed by these circles
be cleared with—approved by—the appropriate Airport Traffic Control Tower(s) prior to each operation.
My experience as a pilot tells me that our FAA Air Traffic Controllers really do not want to deal with nearly invisible flying objects complicating their already busy airspace. Drones aren’t equipped with Mode C (altitude squawking) radar transponders that would show where they are and there is no radio communication between the tower and the drone operator.
I agree that--depending on how close to the airport center the drone is--a 400 AGL limit
would seem to preclude a collision or conflict with air traffic.
The point is that I believe the guys in the tower would just as soon not have
any concern with drone operations in their control zone and be reluctant to allow them.
This reluctance would, in my opinion, prohibit or delay the use of the drone
over large areas as are evidenced by the linked map.
AirMap.io