Now that you know the very basics of airspaces covered in the previous blog, you can take this knowledge into your Part 107 test, application with the FAA or when you want to fly for the fun of it. In this blog, I'll be going over how to apply for an airspace authorization or waiver for commercial work.

To fly commercially in class B, C or D airspace, at the moment, you must fill out one of two forms on the FAA website. To help you fill out the form, the FAA was kind enough to create a guide. What I want to highlight are the two options at the top: Airspace Authorization vs Airspace Waiver. Those are two very different requests and also very different from the Part 107 Waiver request.

Screenshot of the FAA page to apply for airspace access.

Here are the differences:

A Part 107 Waiver request means you hold the Part 107 license and you want to conduct a flight that is atypical. Such as flying at night, over people, flying from a moving vehicle or doing all three simultaneously.

An Airspace Authorization request means you want to fly in airspace B, C, D or E when it extends to the surface. However, you will only be able to fly in this area for a time frame of up to 6 months. Perhaps you were hired to conduct a drone operation 3 miles from a class B airport in another state you don’t normally work. You know the operation will happen during the fall or winter. In this scenario, an Authorization is adequate.

An Airspace Waiver request will give you access to a specific controlled airspace for a duration of up to two years. This is best to do for every airspace in your local area. It’s a good idea to do one form and copy all the info into a text document for later referencing. You can then modify each request in the areas where it will need to be different.

For all requests, you have to fill out one form for each airspace you want to operate in. You can't just select a geographic region such as a city. For my area, I had to fill out 13 Airspace Waiver requests! Copy/paste is your friend in this scenario.

As I said in the last blog, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is an enormous amount fine print and other scenarios involved in every step.

FAA controlled airspace request form: https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/request_operate_controlled_airspace/