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of coordination with ATC. It has been suggested Q Does this relate only to structures
to us that, at least initially, operators should apply directly being inspected? If I am surveying
for a Certificate of Waiver. We do not recommend a nearby field or building, can I use the
attempting to contact air traffic control via radio, additional air space altitude surrounding
which could be distracting for the workers. Some the vertical structure even if it’s not what
Skyward customers have received COAs allowing I’m inspecting?
operation near airports, and they use radios to
monitor airport traffic. The rule does not require you to be actually
inspecting that structure; it just states that you must
ALTITUDE LIMITS fly within a 400 foot radius of and not more than 400
feet higher than the immediate uppermost part of it.
Q When Part 107 specifies that you can fly
up to 400 feet over the highest point of a Q How can I fly an area for topography that
structure, does “structure” always refer has 500 ft of relief (from the bottom of a
to something manmade? Can in be a valley to the top of adjacent hills) over a
natural occurrence? distance of 2500 ft? Should I fly less than
Because Part 107 specifies 400 feet above ground 400 above the top of the hill or 400 ft
level (AGL), land features such as hills, mountains, above the ground? 400 ft above the top of
and cliffs elevate the ground level so the top of the hill is easier.
that feature would be the baseline. However, the
implication is that non-land features such as trees Section 107.51, which includes the altitude limitation,
and rock spires are not included. Remember: is waiverable. To operate using the first method
This rule is in place because manned aircraft are proposed, you would need to request a waiver
supposed to stay 500 feet away from structures. that would allow you to exceed 400 ft AGL and that
includes your procedures for how you will avoid
interfering with manned aircraft. The second method
you proposed (following the terrain at 400 ft AGL) is
certainly in compliance with Part 107—but it does
seem operationally challenging.
53 | Navigating Part 107
