UAV: Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Remote Pilot (UAS)
Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Unauthorized Flight Operations (UAS)
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
A photo online from a drone company out of ZZZ appears to depict illegal; unauthorized UAS activity at a height far above potential authorized limits. This image was taken in the area immediately southeast of ZZZ. This area is surface level E LAANC-enabled. The spot where this photo was taken is well inside the zero-grid area where automated approval cannot be obtained. I am a local Part 107 remote pilot who has consistently received authorization denials for 100 feet and even 50 feet-AGL requests in the same area. I've submitted requests through both LAANC and the FAA Drone Zone with substantial safety justifications without success. The reason cited by ZZZ1 ATC (the local governing body) is the high volume of helicopter traffic in the zero-grid area here. This image was obviously shot from an altitude well above 100 feet (I estimate 300 feet based on the sizes of the ground objects; but make no absolute claims regarding accuracy). I have been building a drone photography business; and my inability to obtain permission to fly in this area is putting me at a competitive disadvantage with those who do not follow FAA guidelines and procedures. I am obviously uncertain of the authorization status of this flight; but it's very difficult to believe it was an authorized flight based on my own experiences with this coordinated LAANC zero-grid. As a Part 107 remote pilot dedicated to following protocol; I would like to see a consistent playing field in the area of my business operations. This company appears to be flagrantly flaunting their willingness to fly illegally in a controlled area.
A Part 107 pilot reported seeing a photograph online taken from what they believe to be a no-fly zone.