How do I get approval to fly above 400ft AGL?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m new here and have been flying commercially around my area following LAANC rules for a while. Lately, my clients have been asking for higher altitudes, and I want to meet their needs. Does anyone know the steps I need to take to get clearance for flying above 400 feet? I’ve been watching some of Ken Heron’s videos, but I keep getting denied. Any advice would be really helpful! Thanks!

2

You might want to reconsider following Ken Heron’s advice. If you’re flying near a building, you can fly above 400ft but within 400ft of the structure. How high are you trying to get? Maybe you’re missing some required safety measures or waiver steps.

3

@Jules
I agree, Ken Heron isn’t the best source for this kind of info. High-altitude waivers are really rare and hard to get. Only about 100 have been approved so far. So, while it’s not impossible, it’s not easy either.

4

We need more info to help you better. Do you have your Part 107? If not, you shouldn’t be flying for clients yet. If yes, and you’re using LAANC, you can only fly up to the approved altitude in controlled airspace. The 400ft above a structure rule doesn’t apply here. You’ll need to get an exemption waiver from the FAA, which can take a long time to approve.

5

@Nico
The 400ft above a structure rule still applies, even in controlled airspace. You’ll need authorization for that, and automatic authorization won’t be issued if you’re above the grid square limit. You can try to get manual approval, but it’s not quick. Expect it to take 1-3 months, and success isn’t guaranteed depending on the airspace.

6

What exactly are your clients asking for? Photos or video? If you’re aiming to go higher than 400ft, you could also fly a lower altitude and stitch together multiple images to create a large panorama. I’ve done big panoramas from 250ft AGL before.

7

@Perry
I need a video to show the height of the building for a tower event, or at least at the same height as the tower for the visuals.

8

Sai said:
@Perry
I need a video to show the height of the building for a tower event, or at least at the same height as the tower for the visuals.

You can fly within 400ft of the building and 400ft above it without needing special approval, as long as no other restrictions apply. But what did they say when you applied for a waiver before? They should always give you a reason when they deny it.

9

@Perry
You can’t do that in controlled airspace. LAANC/UASFM altitudes are hard ceilings AGL. OP, you’ll need both a high-altitude waiver (107.51) and a COA for the airspace that references the waiver. Each ATC is different, so it’s best to contact them directly to discuss your request.

10

@Reese
That’s good advice. You’ll need to get a COA for the airspace and the waiver for high-altitude flying. These aren’t easy to get.

11

Nico said:
@Reese
That’s good advice. You’ll need to get a COA for the airspace and the waiver for high-altitude flying. These aren’t easy to get.

Actually, if you’re flying close to the building, you don’t need a waiver, just airspace authorization. You can get approval for this manually without needing to alter the regulations. The waiver is only needed if you’re breaking the 400ft limit.

12

@Reese
If you stay within 400ft of the structure, you only need an airspace authorization, not a waiver. The 400ft limit is for controlled airspace, and the only thing that changes is needing authorization.

13

Let me clear things up with some regulations. If you’re flying over 400ft, you must be Part 107 certified. Assuming you are, there are a couple of key rules to follow. First, you can’t fly higher than 400ft unless you’re within 400ft of a structure, and even then, you must stay within 400ft above it.

14

@Jade
Also, if you’re flying outside a 400ft radius or above the structure, you’ll need a waiver, and that can be very hard to get.

15

@Jade
From my research, it looks like LAANC won’t allow altitude over 400ft right now. If that’s the case, you’d have to file an airspace authorization through DroneZone.

16

Jade said:
@Jade
From my research, it looks like LAANC won’t allow altitude over 400ft right now. If that’s the case, you’d have to file an airspace authorization through DroneZone.

That’s right, the last line of what NIC said is your answer.

17

Here’s how you can fly above 400 feet with FAA approval:

  1. Apply for a Part 107 Waiver: You need a waiver for this. Log in to the FAA DroneZone and submit a waiver request. Explain why you need to fly above 400ft and outline safety measures.

  2. LAANC for Controlled Airspace: If you’re near controlled airspace, you’ll need LAANC. But, LAANC only allows operations up to certain altitude limits, so you’ll still need a waiver for higher altitudes.

  3. Flying Near Structures: Part 107 allows you to fly above 400ft if you’re within 400ft of a structure and stay within 400ft above the structure.

  4. For Government Agencies: If you work for a public safety or government agency, you may apply for a COA, which gives more flexibility, including flying above 400ft.

Visit the FAA’s DroneZone for more info or to apply.

18

@Daxton
I think you misunderstood. I already use this process but I keep getting denied. I’m wondering if I’m not filling out the waiver right. I even use ChatGPT to fill out the safety part, so I don’t think I’m missing anything.