Unmanned Aircraft NOTAMs

[ColoPilot]

I saw this NOTAM in the LM briefing system today for unmanned aircraft operations:

'NOTAM UAS Operating Area DEFINED AS 3NM RADIUS OF GLL300004 SFC-5500FT DLY 1400-2300 1506241400-1506252300.'

That 800 ft AGL -- I thought UAVs were restricted to 400ft?


It's also interesting the LM site has a link for "Fly-Away/Lost Link Reporting" of UAS -- I wonder what that triggers?

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I saw this NOTAM in the LM briefing system today for unmanned aircraft operations:

'NOTAM UAS Operating Area DEFINED AS 3NM RADIUS OF GLL300004 SFC-5500FT DLY 1400-2300 1506241400-1506252300.'

That 800 ft AGL -- I thought UAVs were restricted to 400ft?


It's also interesting the LM site has a link for "Fly-Away/Lost Link Reporting" of UAS -- I wonder what that triggers?

400 feet is for hobby RC aircraft.

 

[Gucci Pilot]

It's also interesting the LM site has a link for "Fly-Away/Lost Link Reporting" of UAS -- I wonder what that triggers?

Since that is a future capability and not currently available...nothing

 

[Old Geek]

Travis AFB has had back to back security TFR's up to 18,000 for at least 3 years. Global Hawk thing.

 

[ColoPilot]

400 feet is for hobby RC aircraft.

Ahh, I thought 400ft applied to all commercial UAVs (I know the military can do whatever want for the most part).

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[BillTIZ]

There are recurring almost constant UAS NOTAM s in the Southern California area, primarily around Gray Butte, but also south of Bakersfield. Always good to be talking to approach control in those areas.

 

[Gucci Pilot]

Beale AFB has had back to back security TFR's up to 18,000 for at least 3 years. Global Hawk thing.

FIFY

 

[flightwriter]

Ahh, I thought 400ft applied to all commercial UAVs (I know the military can do whatever want for the most part).

Thanks for the clarification.

The FAA proposed a 500' AGL altitude limitation for commercial sUAS in the Part 107 NPRM released earlier this year. Comments from at least one alphabet group suggested a 400' AGL maximum in line with the recreational R/C aircraft limitation, which (at least in theory) provides 100' separation from UAS and manned aircraft over populated areas.

 

[BillTIZ]

For most commercial/public law enforcement, 400-500ft will work fine. Crop survey, search & rescue, etc may want higher altitudes. Aircraft flying mapping surveys fly at 15,000-17,000, so UAS in that role will be larger and be outside of operator visual range requiring ADS-B out and probably FPV optics.