It can be comforting to sit and watch airplanes come and go at the airport, and some people like to watch them to pass the time. You can get an even cooler view from a drone, but there are restrictions that vary from country to country. Flying too close to their airport could disrupt the operations while flying too far away doesn’t really add value to the watch party.
So how close can a drone fly to an airport? And are there other rules in place that you need to follow to safely operate your drone near an airport? Typically, you’ll want to stay about 5 miles or about 8 km away from the airport and more than 400 feet in the air, though you’ll want to check local airport regulations as these vary from airport to airport.
Key Takeaways
- When flying a drone near an airport, it’s important to stay at least 5 miles or 8 km away from the airport and fly above 400 feet, though regulations may vary from airport to airport.
- Depending on the airspace classification and the height you plan to fly, you may need the authorization to fly a drone near an airport, and in some cases, you may face legal action if you don’t have permission to be there.
- Flying drones near airports can pose serious safety risks and should only be done by experienced pilots who have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations in place.
- Rules and regulations for flying drones near airports may vary depending on the country, and it’s important to check local regulations before flying.
- Finally, while it can be tempting to fly a drone near an airport to get a unique view, it’s important to prioritize safety and avoid disrupting airport operations.
Do You Need Authorization To Fly A Drone Near An Airport?
Keep in mind that some airports require authorization to fly near airports, so you may need to file paperwork. That’s typically only if you want to fly in controlled airspace. If you are outside of that area, you may not need to notify anyone that you’re flying.
The airspace classification matters, as does the height you plan to fly.
- If you’re flying in B, C, D, and E airspace, you need to get authorization. You can operate in Class G airspace without prior notification. If you want to fly in 107 airspaces, you need to connect with the FAA.
- If you plan to fly under 400 feet (122 meters), then you also need to get authorization from the FAA. You’ll file for the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) in the United States.
While you typically want to stay about 8 km away from airports, there could be situations in which you’re allowed closer and lower in the air with the proper authorization, so make sure to check with the airport first.
Is It Safe To Fly A Drone Near An Airport?
Your drone is small and often will not be seen by an aircraft during operations, so there is a large risk that it will be hit by a plane. If this is the case, you are liable for the damage to your drone, not the airline.
Airports may also employ signal jamming technology that helps prevent unwanted drones from flying in their airspace. So, again, if your drone is lost, you may not be able to recover it. In some cases, you could even face legal action as it could be construed as trespassing if you don’t have permission to be there.
Ultimately, if your drone poses a risk to the safety of those on the airplane and on the ground, your request will be denied. While technology has come a long way, your drone could potentially detrimentally interact with the in-flight or air traffic control technology, so it’s best to be more conservative with how close you can fly to an airport.
Can I Fly My Drone Near European Airports?
It depends. It is legal to fly a drone in Europe; however, there are various laws in place, so you’ll want to check local regulations to make sure that you are compliant with all. If not, you could face serious issues. Research the local laws and consult the airspace maps that have no-fly zones clearly marked.
It’s up to you to know the laws, but as long as you’re flying at least 8 km away and higher than 400 feet, you should be fine to fly your drone near an airport and get to see a truly once-in-a-lifetime view of airport travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How close can a drone fly to an airport?
It’s recommended to stay at least 5 miles or about 8 km away from the airport and more than 400 feet in the air.
-
Do I need authorization to fly a drone near an airport?
Some airports require authorization to fly near them, especially in controlled airspace. You may need to file paperwork before flying.
-
Is it safe to fly a drone near an airport?
Flying drones near airports can pose serious safety risks, as drones can be hit by planes and disrupt operations. It’s important to prioritize safety.
-
Can I fly my drone near European airports?
It’s legal to fly a drone in Europe, but there are various laws and regulations in place that you need to comply with. So check local regulations before flying.
-
What are the consequences of flying a drone near an airport without permission?
Flying a drone near an airport without permission can lead to legal action and potential fines. Drones can also be lost due to signal jamming technology.
