DJI Mavic Air 2
Flight Crew Last 90 Days (UAS) 10; Flight Crew Total 0; Flight Crew Total (UAS) 30; Flight Crew Type (UAS) 30
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Unauthorized Flight Operations (UAS); Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace; General Police / Security Involved
Procedure; Software and Automation; Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
UAS was being flown for photographing the sunset under section 44807 for recreational use. The app used for controlling UAS and verifying an appropriate flying location was the DJI Fly app. The DJI Fly app has geofencing capabilities and has shown on multiple occasions that certain areas are restricted and will prevent the user from taking off and flying in restricted areas. I did not know at the time that this app does not restrict flying in certain areas that require authorization to fly in. At this particular location the altitude restriction on the app is set to 400 feet; there were several 'altitude zones' and restricted areas nearby that limited altitude and the geofencing software would stop the UAS from entering these areas and I avoided them. While the UAS was around 400ft altitude and 300 feet away; maintaining VLOS; I noticed a vehicle approaching my location. They informed me that they were contacted by Naval Air Station about an unauthorized UAS flying in their airspace and requested that I not fly at this location. The location in question; I found out later is Class D airspace with a grid altitude of 0 feet. The DJI app was in conflict with this information saying it was 400 feet. Following the incident I spoke with the FAA in order to find an appropriate location to fly my UAS and was informed about completing TRUST training; using the B4UFly app; and not relying on geofencing from the DJI Fly app.
Recreational/hobby UAS pilot checked and used an app created by the manufacturer of the UAS being flown. The app has several no-fly areas listed but did not list the Class D airspace of a nearby airport. The UAS flew within the Class D airspace without proper authorization.