Reading to posts here I get the idea that there is a bit of confusion about how to notify ATC of drone operations in the vicinity of an airport.
First phone numbers not on the Solo App can be found in by googling the ICAO airport identifier and "tower phone number." When calling a uncontrolled airport I am respectful and quick in how I inform the manager of the operations. When calling a tower or other air traffic control facility I still inform them, but do so the same way I do when using the airspace with my aircraft. When calling a tower remember that they believe they "own" the air from the surface to 2499' AGL. The argument about your "rights" to use this airspace is better left for another day. I have not ever been asked or told not to fly, some guys give me permission, other thank me for letting them know I'll be flying.
When calling be quick, precise, and know what you are going to say ahead of time. Honestly they don't care what you are taking photos of, they don't want a long dissertation of your plans for the day, they don't care who you are. I give them 3 pieces of information. Locations, altitude, and time. That's all they want. Location is a distance and direction from a known point, 3 miles south of the airport, 1 mile north of downtown, in the vicinity of I275 and I696 interchange. Altitude is the maxium altitude you will be flying during the entire operation, 300' AGL and below. Time just give the local time your will start and end, or if you are calling just before the flight tell them "for the next 2 hours." My phone calls to an ATC facilty never last more than 30 seconds, most are in the 15 to 20 second range. These guys are busy and are probably as annoyed you are calling as you are having to call them.
Here is how one conversation went with ATC today:
ATC facility "Hello ____ tower"
Me "Hello, just call to let you know that I'llbe conducting fro opperstions 1 mile north of down town from the surface to 250 feet AGL for the next three hours."
ATC facility "You will never be above 250'?"
Me "No"
ATC facility "That will be Okay, I'll give you permission for that, thanks for calling."
Me "Thank you sir"
So this guy gave me permission, being class "D" airspace he really can't say "no," but who am I to start anything. Earlier in the day I was in touch with a different controller who gave me the "thanks for calling" line.
Anyway this has worked great for me. quickly give them the three pieces of information they need, practice the discussion ahead of time, and be respectful. No one has ever even asked who I am. I have even had ATC not question when flying within 5 miles of a class "bravo" airport.
First phone numbers not on the Solo App can be found in by googling the ICAO airport identifier and "tower phone number." When calling a uncontrolled airport I am respectful and quick in how I inform the manager of the operations. When calling a tower or other air traffic control facility I still inform them, but do so the same way I do when using the airspace with my aircraft. When calling a tower remember that they believe they "own" the air from the surface to 2499' AGL. The argument about your "rights" to use this airspace is better left for another day. I have not ever been asked or told not to fly, some guys give me permission, other thank me for letting them know I'll be flying.
When calling be quick, precise, and know what you are going to say ahead of time. Honestly they don't care what you are taking photos of, they don't want a long dissertation of your plans for the day, they don't care who you are. I give them 3 pieces of information. Locations, altitude, and time. That's all they want. Location is a distance and direction from a known point, 3 miles south of the airport, 1 mile north of downtown, in the vicinity of I275 and I696 interchange. Altitude is the maxium altitude you will be flying during the entire operation, 300' AGL and below. Time just give the local time your will start and end, or if you are calling just before the flight tell them "for the next 2 hours." My phone calls to an ATC facilty never last more than 30 seconds, most are in the 15 to 20 second range. These guys are busy and are probably as annoyed you are calling as you are having to call them.
Here is how one conversation went with ATC today:
ATC facility "Hello ____ tower"
Me "Hello, just call to let you know that I'llbe conducting fro opperstions 1 mile north of down town from the surface to 250 feet AGL for the next three hours."
ATC facility "You will never be above 250'?"
Me "No"
ATC facility "That will be Okay, I'll give you permission for that, thanks for calling."
Me "Thank you sir"
So this guy gave me permission, being class "D" airspace he really can't say "no," but who am I to start anything. Earlier in the day I was in touch with a different controller who gave me the "thanks for calling" line.
Anyway this has worked great for me. quickly give them the three pieces of information they need, practice the discussion ahead of time, and be respectful. No one has ever even asked who I am. I have even had ATC not question when flying within 5 miles of a class "bravo" airport.
Last edited:
