Airspace for Drone Pilots

1. Whose airspace is it?

Before a small drone flies under Part 107, its pilot needs to know whose airspace it is in. The FAA sorts airspace into two categories, regulatory and nonregulatory, and four types: controlled, uncontrolled, special use, and other airspace.

2. Class B: the wedding cake

Controlled airspace that matters to a remote pilot is Class B, C, D and E. Class B surrounds the busiest airports and generally reaches 10,000 feet above mean sea level. Each area is tailored, with layers; some look like upside-down wedding cakes.

3. Class C and Class D

Class C surrounds busy towered airports with radar approach control and generally reaches 4,000 feet above airport elevation; its outer shelf usually starts at 1,200 feet. Class D surrounds airports with an operating control tower and generally reaches 2,500 feet above airport elevation.

4. Class E and Class G

Class E is the rest of controlled airspace. In most areas its base is 1,200 feet above ground level; in many others it starts at 700 feet or at the surface. Where Class G lies below it, Class G is uncontrolled, up to the base of Class E.

5. Who needs permission?

So for drones, before flying in Class B, C, or D airspace, a remote pilot must get authorization from air traffic control. In Class G, no ATC authorization is needed, though other restrictions can still apply. Class E usually needs none either, but there are exceptions.

6. Special use airspace

Special use airspace confines activities that could conflict with other flights. It usually consists of prohibited areas, restricted areas, warning areas, military operation areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas.

7. Prohibited and restricted

Prohibited areas are closed to flight, like P-40 around Camp David. Restricted areas hold operations that are hazardous to aircraft not taking part; flight is not wholly prohibited, but entering without the using or controlling agency's authorization may be extremely hazardous.

8. Temporary flight restrictions

Temporary flight restrictions are issued by a notice to airmen. They protect people and property from hazards, keep a safe environment for disaster relief aircraft, and prevent unsafe congestion of sightseeing aircraft. Knowing about them is the pilot's job.

9. Check before you fly

So during flight planning, check the notices to airmen and any temporary flight restrictions in your area; the FAA's TFR website is one way to check. Air traffic control exists to prevent collisions, and knowing the airspace is how a drone pilot does their part.