FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsHard
A remote pilot is planning a sUAS aerial photography flight within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport. The airport has an operating control tower. What authorization is required for this operation?
- AAuthorization from the FAA via LAANC or DroneZone is required.
- BOnly visual line of sight (VLOS) must be maintained, no specific authorization.
- CNo authorization is required as Class E surface areas do not require ATC permission.
- DA Certificate of Waiver (CoW) is required for all operations in Class E airspace.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Authorization from the FAA via LAANC or DroneZone is required.
If a Class E airspace area is designated as a 'surface area for an airport' (meaning it extends to the surface to protect instrument approaches), it is considered controlled airspace. Operations in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and E surface areas) require airspace authorization from the FAA under 14 CFR Part 107.41, typically obtained via LAANC or DroneZone.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While VLOS must always be maintained, it does not supersede the requirement for airspace authorization in controlled airspace.
- C. Class E surface areas are controlled airspace and require authorization, unlike Class E airspace that begins at 700 or 1200 AGL.
- D. A CoW is for waiving specific regulations, not for basic authorization to operate in controlled airspace. Authorization is a different process.
Airspace Authorization (Class E Surface)
Prior authorization from the FAA is required to operate a sUAS in any controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, and Class E surface areas), even if it's Class E that extends to the surface.
- Class E surface areas are controlled airspace.
- 14 CFR Part 107.41 mandates authorization.
- LAANC and DroneZone are primary methods for authorization.
Memory trick: E-surface, like B, C, D, needs FAA's key.