UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 5400; Flight Crew Type 25
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Chart Or Publication; Procedure
Pilot sUAS operating under 107 with a registered sUAS in the Class E airspace SW of an airport. Have filed for the Airspace Waiver Authorization for operation at the location and had not heard back if the application was approved. Spoke with two FAA personnel that were in town that day and requested guidance on how to acquire access to create the video footage for my client. Talked with FAA FDSO Frontline Manger; his colleague; FSS and ATC. Requested to have a NOTAM published for the specific time of operation. One was created. Operation was not over people. The flight occurred during daylight hours and 30 min after sunset.The area of difficulty is the current FAA application process requesting airspace waiver authorization; processing time is too long to meet production company work schedule; and there is no point of emirate contact under current rules! Pilot was monitoring CTAF for traffic; utilized additional 'spotter'; and was in contact with FSS. Under what authorization can this type of operation be conducted within the FAA Airspace frame work? I trusted the NOTAM to be the correct tool for the job. We have to do something to get the job done when the Authorization for Airspace Waiver is none responsive!The two local FAA personnel on the field this day complimented me for having followed the proper channels and done all that I could in the interest of public safety to get the job done. The question I personally have is; what documentation do I have for accepting 'clearance' or 'authorization' to operate legally under Part 107 in the airspace I need to work? ATC? FSS? FAA? I need to know; I need to follow the framework we have in place for our National Airspace Classifications and also get my job done for my client.
UAV pilot requested FAA authorization before a commercial video operation. After an extended delay; the FSS issued a NOTAM about the operation at the pilot's request which was then completed safely.