UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Type 50
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Procedure
I was operating a DJI Mavic 2 in Class G airspace in the vicinity of ZZZ airport. All operations were conducted in coordination with the pilot of a manned aircraft on the taxiway and the runway. All operations were conducted in accordance with 14CFR107 and no regulations were broken; nor any safety risk or interference created by the operation of the UAS in Class G airspace to the best of my knowledge. The local airport manager did approach me and asked me to land the UAS as he stated it was illegal to operate near an airport; and I did land and attempted to contact the local FSDO by phone. Later the airport manager made contact with the local [FAAST Program Manager] at the FSDO who stated by phone it was 'illegal to operate a drone within 5nm of an airport'. Despite that not being true under 14CFR107; we did not operate the UAS further; and left the airport. [Local] FSDO emailed me stating 'I am attempting to contact you regarding UAS (drone) operation at the ZZZ airport yesterday. I have some questions I need to ask of you.' FSDO requested the registration for the UAS I regularly fly and inquired if I had ever operated over people. I replied I had not ever operated over people and have always conducted operations in accordance with 14CFR107. FSDO responded: 'I have been assigned by the office to conduct an investigation into the operation of your drone at the ZZZ Airport.' At no point was any part of 14CFR107 violated; however; it is clear that local FSDO offices have inconsistencies in knowledge of 14CFR; and inspectors do not appear to be complying with FAA Order 8900.1.
UAV operator reported being advised by local FSDO that an investigation of recent operations of his UAV in the vicinity of an airport was being initiated.