Flying Near Airports: Navigating Controlled Airspace Safely and Legally

Introduction

Flying a drone near airports is one of the most sensitive areas of operation due to the proximity to manned aircraft and strict airspace regulations. As a drone pilot, understanding European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) rules and ensuring compliance is not only mandatory but critical for maintaining safety in controlled airspace.

At 120mAGL.com, we aim to make EASA regulations accessible, actionable, and straightforward for drone pilots like you. This guide will walk you through the essential rules, practical applications, and real-world scenarios for flying near airports, focusing on controlled airspace.

What You’ll Learn

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  How EASA defines controlled airspace and its importance.
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  Step-by-step guidance on obtaining authorization for operations near airports.
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  Real-world examples of drone operations in controlled airspace.
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  Common challenges and how to address them.
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  A compliance checklist to simplify your flight planning.

Let’s dive in and ensure you fly safely, responsibly, and legally near airports.

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Overview and Background

Why Regulations for Airports Exist

Airports are hubs of manned aviation activity, and the risk of collision between drones and manned aircraft is significant. Controlled airspace is established to manage the flow of air traffic safely. Drones, though small, can cause catastrophic damage to aircraft during a collision.

Regulations for flying near airports serve two purposes:

1. Safety of Air Traffic: Ensuring drones do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.
2. Orderly Airspace Management: Maintaining efficient and predictable air traffic flow.

Drone pilots must understand that controlled airspace near airports is subject to strict oversight, and violating these regulations can lead to severe penalties or legal consequences.

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Detailed Requirements

Controlled Airspace: What You Need to Know

Controlled airspace is a designated area where air traffic control (ATC) services are provided. It is divided into classes (Class A, B, C, D, and E) depending on the complexity and volume of air traffic.

When flying near airports, you are most likely operating in Class D or Class C airspace, which includes areas with medium to high traffic levels.

Key Regulations for Controlled Airspace

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  Authorization Requirement: You must obtain permission from the relevant authority before flying a drone in controlled airspace. This is mandated under EASA regulations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
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  Altitude Limit: Drone operations are limited to a maximum altitude of 120m (400ft) above ground level unless otherwise authorized (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
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  Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): You must maintain VLOS at all times when operating near airports (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

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Step-by-Step Authorization Process

To operate legally near airports, follow these steps:

1. Determine Airspace Classification

Use online tools like UAS Geographical Zones or airspace maps to confirm whether your operation falls within controlled airspace.

1. Submit an Operational Request

Apply for authorization via your National Aviation Authority (NAA). Include details about your operation, such as:

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  Date and time of flight.
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  Exact location coordinates.
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  Purpose of the operation (e.g., photography, inspection).
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  Drone specifications and safety measures.

1. Receive Approval

Wait for confirmation from the NAA. Approval may include specific conditions, such as restricted flight times or additional equipment requirements.

1. Coordinate with Air Traffic Control (ATC)

If required, contact the local ATC to communicate your operation plan.

1. Conduct Pre-Flight Checks

Ensure your drone complies with all conditions outlined in the authorization.

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Equipment Considerations

When flying near airports, your drone must meet certain technical standards to ensure compliance and safety.

Recommended Features for Controlled Airspace Operations

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  Geo-Fencing: Prevents your drone from entering restricted zones.
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  ADS-B Receiver: Alerts you to nearby manned aircraft.
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  Fail-Safe Mechanisms: Includes return-to-home (RTH) functions in case of signal loss.

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Practical Application

Real-World Scenario: Drone Photography Near an Airport

Imagine a professional drone photographer tasked with capturing aerial shots of a construction site near an airport. Here’s how they would navigate the regulations:

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  Identify the proximity of the site to the airport’s controlled airspace.
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  Submit an authorization request to the NAA.

1. Planning:

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  Receive conditional approval, limiting flight to specific hours when air traffic is minimal.

1. Approval:

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  Notify ATC of the operation.
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  Use a geo-fencing-enabled drone to prevent accidental entry into restricted zones.

1. Execution:

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  Submit logs to the NAA if required.

1. Post-Flight Compliance:

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Common Questions and Challenges

FAQ

1. Can I fly within 1km of an airport?

No, unless you have explicit authorization from the NAA (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

2. What happens if I violate controlled airspace rules?

Violations can result in fines, suspension of your drone license, or criminal charges (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

3. Is VLOS mandatory near airports?

Yes, maintaining VLOS is a fundamental requirement (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

4. How do I know if my drone operation is in controlled airspace?

Use UAS Geographical Zones maps provided by your NAA to determine airspace classification.

5. Can recreational pilots fly near airports?

Recreational pilots are subject to the same authorization requirements as commercial pilots (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).

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Compliance Checklist

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm Airspace Classification

Use official maps or tools to check if your operation is in controlled airspace.

1. Request Authorization

Submit all required documentation to the NAA.

1. Coordinate with ATC

Notify ATC if required.

1. Conduct Risk Assessment

Identify potential hazards and implement mitigation measures.

1. Pre-Flight Inspection

Verify equipment functionality and compliance with authorization conditions.

1. Monitor Airspace During Operation

Use ADS-B receivers or visual observers to avoid manned aircraft.

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Case Studies

Example 1: Inspection Services Near Class C Airspace

A drone operator performing roof inspections near a Class C airport successfully obtained authorization by providing detailed safety measures, including:

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  Flight paths avoiding active runways.
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  Backup communications with ATC.

Example 2: Recreational Flying Close to Restricted Zones

A hobbyist flying in proximity to controlled airspace was denied authorization due to insufficient safety planning. This highlights the importance of preparing detailed operational requests.

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Summary

Flying near airports in controlled airspace requires careful planning, strict adherence to regulations, and a focus on safety.

Key Takeaways:

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  Obtain authorization before any operation in controlled airspace.
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  Maintain VLOS and stay below the 120m altitude limit (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
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  Use geo-fencing and ADS-B technology to enhance safety.
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  Coordinate with ATC when required.

At 120mAGL.com, we are committed to helping you navigate complex EASA regulations with confidence.

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Resources

Regulations Referenced

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  Reg 2019/947 Art. 4: Authorization for UAS operations.

Further Reading

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  EASA UAS Geographical Zones
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  Drone Technology for Controlled Airspace

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Disclaimer

Always consult the latest EASA documentation and your local NAA for updates to regulations. Regulations are subject to change, and pilots are responsible for ensuring compliance.

Fly safe and stay informed with 120mAGL.com!