I’ve been asked to inspect a communications tower. The issue is the tower is over 400 ft tall so in order for me to complete the inspection I will need to go up to approximately 475 ft. which is permitted by the FAA within 400 ft of the structure. I’m part 107 certified. I’m not looking for a firmware hack I’m asking how to do this properly. Do I call DJI and get some code that will allow me to fly above 400 ft.? My drone is a P4P.
I received my Part 107 Lic on Sept 2016 here is what I say about the 400ft AGL inspecting a communications tower or structures. IAW
§107.51 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.
A remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small unmanned aircraft system must comply with all of the following operating limitations when operating a small unmanned aircraft system:
(a) The groundspeed of the small unmanned aircraft may not exceed 87 knots (100 miles per hour).
(b) The altitude of the small unmanned aircraft cannot be higher than 400 feet above ground level, unless the small unmanned aircraft:
(1) Is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and
(2) Does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.
So correct me if I am wrong, if your doing an inspection on towers and/or a building (structure) and it is 800ft AGL, then you have you have an additional 400ft from uppermost limit and within a 400-foot radius of a structure. Just watching updated video's on REMOTEPILOT101.COM,
Jason Schappert was speaking about NOTAMS and COA/COW. And IAW him its not required to request an NOTAM on every job/mission you perform (it will raise a RED Flag to the FAA if you do), only if you have been approved a COW which the COW will stated if you need to submit an NOTAM. I passed my test by using his website and became a member to his website to review all required items that is on the Part 107 test. I recommend this to everyone who is trying to pass your test and get your lic. He is an FAA Instructor/Pilot. He shares a lot of very good info even on VFR charts, weather, Decision Making, Risk management, PIC, Air space, etc. I hope this info help you on what your question.
V/R
Alva C. Shell, IV/Disable Veteran