Drone Airspace Made Simple: Class G vs. B/C/D/E, LAANC vs DroneZone, Tower Exception & Pro Checklist

Описание: Airspace is what separates hobbyists from professionals. In this video, you’ll learn how to read the sky like a map — Class G vs. controlled airspace (B/C/D/E), how to read sectional charts, LAANC vs. DroneZone authorizations, the 400-ft structure exception (107.51), and a 5-step preflight airspace checklist you can use on every job.

You’ll learn

Controlled vs. uncontrolled airspace (what it means for your mission)

How to spot Class B/C/D boundaries on a sectional and why charts update every 56 days

107.41 authorization requirements & when to use LAANC vs. DroneZone

The structure exception (107.51): 400 ft above a structure within a 400-ft lateral bubble

Why the structure exception ≠ airspace authorization (two separate checks)

A 5-step airspace checklist you can paste into your SOPs

👉 Want a printable version of the checklist or help integrating it into your SOPs? Visit InspectFromAbove.com

🕒 Table of Contents (Chapters)

0:00 — Why airspace knowledge separates pros from hobbyists
0:14 — The RPIC reality: the rules—and the responsibility—are yours
0:20 — First question: Controlled or Uncontrolled (Class G)?
0:30 — Class G = “country roads”; B/C/D/E = “city highways” near airports
0:48 — Sectional charts: your map to the invisible sky (56-day cycle)
1:31 — Reading boundaries: solid blue (Class B), solid magenta (Class C), dashed blue (Class D)
2:19 — 107.41: prior authorization is required in controlled airspace
2:50 — LAANC (fast lane) vs. DroneZone (manual, plan ~60 days)
3:36 — Tall towers & buildings: the 107.51 structure exception explained
4:21 — Critical note: altitude exception ≠ location authorization
4:50 — The 5-step preflight airspace checklist
5:36 — Next steps: from fundamentals to waivers & BVLOS

✅ 5-Step Preflight Airspace Checklist (copy into your SOPs)

Check a current sectional (or approved app) to confirm Class G vs. B/C/D/E

If controlled, request LAANC (preferred) or DroneZone as needed

Check for TFRs/NOTAMs (sports events, VIP, wildfires, disasters)

Confirm mission remains within basic Part 107 limits (altitude, visibility, VLOS)

If near Special Use Airspace (Restricted, Prohibited, MOA, etc.), obtain controlling agency permission (separate from FAA ATC)

💡 Key Takeaways

Controlled vs. uncontrolled is the first—and non-negotiable—preflight decision

LAANC handles most day-to-day authorizations quickly; DroneZone is for special/edge cases

The structure exception (107.51) lets you fly higher only within a 400-ft lateral bubble — it does not grant airspace access

Keep charts current (56 days) and bake the 5-step checklist into your SOPs

🏷️ Tags / Keywords

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