As I live about a mile from a medium/small (200-300 flights a day) airport I decided it was a good idea to speak directly with management and/or the FAA control tower to determine what preferences and criteria they have for drone flying in the immediate and 5 mile range of the airport.
On my first attempt I was unable to speak with anyone as a supervisor was not on-site. Yesterday I was able to speak with airport management and they set me up to meet with a FAA tower supervisor 15 minutes later. I met with the controller in charge in the FAA tower on site and she went over the details, preferences and restrictions they had for locations nearby and flight paths for runways. I was surprised to learn I was the first drone operator to contact them and they were very thankful that I did and glad to see I had already registered with the FAA. She printed me some information and promised to forward some documents and diagrams of the airfield with zones of altitude restrictions, etc. I was provided with the phone number to call and information to provide and how they would use it to inform pilots using the airspace.
I was quite surprised in the interest and how helpful and receptive they were to provide information and work with me to insure safe flying for everyone. I was even given a tour of the control tower and an explanation of what they do and some of the information they monitor and provide from various sources. Year ago I had the opportunity to see the inside of Chicago Center (ZAU) as a kid pre 9/11 days but this was on a smaller scale plus better view to the outside that just radar screens, etc. Overall, it was a very positive visit and experience and I am glad I was able to do this in person.
On my first attempt I was unable to speak with anyone as a supervisor was not on-site. Yesterday I was able to speak with airport management and they set me up to meet with a FAA tower supervisor 15 minutes later. I met with the controller in charge in the FAA tower on site and she went over the details, preferences and restrictions they had for locations nearby and flight paths for runways. I was surprised to learn I was the first drone operator to contact them and they were very thankful that I did and glad to see I had already registered with the FAA. She printed me some information and promised to forward some documents and diagrams of the airfield with zones of altitude restrictions, etc. I was provided with the phone number to call and information to provide and how they would use it to inform pilots using the airspace.
I was quite surprised in the interest and how helpful and receptive they were to provide information and work with me to insure safe flying for everyone. I was even given a tour of the control tower and an explanation of what they do and some of the information they monitor and provide from various sources. Year ago I had the opportunity to see the inside of Chicago Center (ZAU) as a kid pre 9/11 days but this was on a smaller scale plus better view to the outside that just radar screens, etc. Overall, it was a very positive visit and experience and I am glad I was able to do this in person.