1… Chart Supplement vs. Sectional Charts

Knowing how to use both chart supplements and sectional charts is crucial for small unmanned aircraft (sUA) pilots, as they provide vital aeronautical details, airspace information, and regulatory guidance necessary for safe and compliant flight planning and execution.

Delete the rest of this? Unrelated to charts….Listening to the radio will give you information that will help you be safer, especially when flying near an airport. UAS?? operators are encouraged to listen to radio communications when operating near airports but are not allowed to transmit on aviation radio frequencies. Doing so would be a violation of FCC regulations.

Pilots in manned aircrafts have a radio installed in their aircraft, which comes with a radio license.

The only time you can broadcast is to declare an emergency, such as a rogue drone that has just flown into someone’s airspace.

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The 2 Categories of the National Airspace System (NAS)

Controlled airspace is managed and regulated by air traffic control authorities, while uncontrolled airspace does not have active air traffic control, often allowing for greater flexibility and freedom of operation.

Regulatory Airspace (Controlled Airspace)

  • Class A, B, C, D and E airspace
  • Restricted areas
  • Probhibted areas

Nonregulatory Airspace (Uncontrolled Airspace)

  • Class G airspace
  • Military Operations Areas (MOAs)
  • Warning areas
  • Alert areas
  • Controlled firing areas

Referring to the Chart Supplement & Sectional Charts

The difference lies in their focus: Sectional Charts provide broader airspace and navigation details, while the Chart Supplement is primarily about specific airport and facility details. Both are crucial for planning and conducting sUAS operations in accordance with Part 107 regulations.

Sectional Chart

The sectional chart is a detailed aeronautical map that provides information about airspace, terrain, populated places, railroads, distinctive landmarks and other navigation features.

These charts are revised every 6 months.

Chart Supplement

The Chart Supplement contains specific data about airports, navigation aids, and other essential information for sUAS operators.

 

This is where the most comprehensive information can be found on a given airport.

It is reissued in its entirety every 56 days.

NOTAMS: Notices to Air Missions

NOTAMs provide time-critical information on airports and changes that affect the national airspace system.

Check for NOTAMs before each flight

The sUAS remote PIC needs to check for NOTAMs before each flight to determine if there area ny applicable airspace restrictions.

Field Examples of NOTAMs:

Crop Dusting NOTAM

A NOTAM is issued to alert local pilots and airspace users about ongoing agricultural aerial spraying operations over a specific area. This notice informs them of the altitude, location, and duration of the activity to ensure safe separation from manned and unmanned aircraft during these operations.

Search and Rescue NOTAM

A NOTAM is issued to inform the aviation community about a search and rescue exercise taking place within a designated airspace. It provides details about the exercise’s location, time frame, and recommended avoidance procedures to prevent unnecessary disruptions to search and rescue efforts.

Wildfire Suppression NOTAM

During wildfire suppression efforts, a NOTAM is issued to communicate the presence of firefighting aircraft and temporary airspace restrictions in the affected area. This notice helps coordinate aerial firefighting operations, ensuring the safety of both firefighting crews and other aircraft sharing the airspace.

TFRs:

TFRs (An FDC NOTAM) meaning temporary flight restrction on airports and changes that affect the NAS.

TFRs are considered an FDC NOTAM, meaning Flight Data Center Notice to Airmen. FDC NOTAMs typically contain information regarding public gatherings of large groups or to protect public figures.

Common TFRs that relate to sUAS operations:

  • Stadium TFRs: These are typically established around stadiums during major sporting events, limiting sUAS flights to protect the safety and security of the event.
  • Wildfire TFRs: These restrictions are issued over areas with active wildfires to protect firefighting aircraft and personnel, often prohibiting sUAS flights near the fire zone.
  • Disaster Relief TFRs: Temporary airspace restriction established in the aftermath of a natural disaster or other emergency, designed to facilitate and secure aerial operations for relief and recovery efforts.
  • Public Figure TFRs: When public figures, dignitaries or government officials are traveling, TFRs may be set up to secure the airspace around their movements, affecting sUAS operations in the vicinity.
  • Security-Related TFRs: These TFRs can be implemented for various security reasons, such as national security events or sensitive government facilities, and may restrict sUAS flights within designated areas for safety and security reasons.
  • Presidential TFR: Presidential TFRs are established to secure the airspace around the President of the United States during their movements and visits around the nation.

Field Example: You operate a drone photography service and have been hired to capture aerial footage of a popular outdoor music festival. The FAA has issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for the event area during the festival’s hours of operation. In this scenario, the TFR applies to all aircraft, including small unmanned aircraft, and you must obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization to fly within the restricted airspace during the festival.

Where to find NOTAMs:

NOTAMs can be found by visiting faa.gov, or obtained from the FAA’s Flight Service at 1800wxbrief.com.

Alphabets and Figures

Radio comms are used to help the flow of traffic.

How to Sky Scan:

The FAA suggests employing a systematic approach to sky scanning for small UAs under Part 107. This involves using short, regularly spaced eye movements, each covering no more than 10 degrees, and spending at least one second observing each area of the sky to enhance detection and awareness.

How Sky Scanning Works:

By breaking down the sky into manageable sections and spending adequate time observing each area, remote pilots are more likely to detect and respond to potential aircraft or obstacles, minimizing the risk of collisions. This method is designed to align with human vision patterns and cognitive processes, making it a practical and reliable strategy for maintaining airspace safety during small UA operations.