A remote pilot arrives at a job site inside Class D airspace without an airspace authorization. The pilot plans to telephone the control tower and fly once a controller says it is fine. According to the AIM, how should the authorization be obtained?
- AThrough an airspace access process such as LAANC or DroneZone, not by calling ATC
- BBy the telephone call, because a controller's verbal approval is a valid authorization
- CBy a radio call on the tower frequency, because radio contact is required in Class D
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Through an airspace access process such as LAANC or DroneZone, not by calling ATC
Airspace authorizations for small UAS go through the access processes, such as LAANC and DroneZone. They are not arranged by an informal radio or telephone call to ATC.
- A. Correct. The AIM says authorizations are handled within the airspace access processes (LAANC, DroneZone, CAPS) and that small UAS operators should not contact ATC by radio or telephone for airspace access.
- B. Incorrect. Wrong. The AIM says authorizations are not coordinated extemporaneously and verbally between the UAS operator and ATC.
- C. Incorrect. Wrong. Small UAS operators should not contact ATC directly by radio for airspace access, and using an aviation frequency may violate FCC rules.
Source
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 11-8-2, Note 1 Small UAS operators should not contact ATC directly by radio or telephone for purposes of airspace access.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 11-8-2 They are not coordinated extemporaneously and verbally between the UAS operator and ATC.