If LAANC isn't active then file for a COA. You are far less likely to be denied and you will get it a whole lot faster (measured in months). Your first notification that you are going to be operating in the airspace is a NOTAM filed through various portals. I give 24-48 hours of notice on that. The only time I physically contact the tower is 15 minutes prior to takeoff and immediately after I am done for the day. They have enough on their hands without an unmanned pilot pestering them. Finally, any paperwork that is approved, be it a waiver or COA, goes through the airspace it affects and they are aware of it. They are part of the approval chain.
Which comes full circle to my original post on the topic, sit down with them briefly, introduce yourself, and work out a method they are comfortable with (file a NOTAM, contact the tower, ect..). It is a lot easier to deal with someone when you know at least their face. I've never had an issue with ATC/tower because I did the dance well in advance and did exactly what they asked me to do (asked is the operative word rather than told). We worked out an agreement and everybody is happy.
Here's an add-on to the statement above... I have a Wide Area Authorization for KAVL (Charlie). As stated on my WAA I am to call the tower 1hr prior to anticipated flight launch and again immediately upon end of flying session. I arrive on site and make the call 1hr prior to anticipated launch time. I contact ATC (
via # provided on WAA) and let them know who I am, my intentions, and my time frame
( I did NOT mention I have an authorization in hand...).
Immediately the tower says, "
Uhhh Sorry Mr. Newland but we aren't approving flights at the moment. You'll need to go through the online portal to get approval."
I replied, "
Sir I have my Wide Area Authorization in hand... it's #0000001 and I'm pre-approved up to 200' AGL in this location and it requires me to make contact with you 1hr prior to flying. Is there someone else I can speak to?" He said, "
Sure can, I've got the Boss Man right here".
Boss Man gets on the phone and asks, "
How can I help you?"I start from scratch with him but I also stated that I have my WAA in hand and it states I am to contact ATC 1hr prior to flight. The moment he heard that he paused (
I think he was getting paper and pen) and said, "
Ah that makes a difference Mr. Newland, what's your exact location, desired flight altitude in AGL, desired flight path(s) and how long will you be flying. Also I need your name, authorization # and a phone # to reach you there on-site should I need to get in touch with you quickly".
I gave him all desired details and he said, "
Just give us a call when your crew is done flying and thank you for calling us and working with us to keep our airspace safe. Have a nice day."
When I called back a couple of hours later the same guy that answered the phone originally answered again and I told him who I was, that we were done, and appreciate their help and coordination. He must have had a long talk from Boss Man because he was so nice and courteous and said he hoped all went well and that we got some amazing aerials of the event we were shooting. Night & Day difference from the previous conversation. I should have let him know from the get-go we have preapproval as opposed to calling and asking for approval.
It's important to note that even with the WAA (
or anything other than LAANC) they can still deny your flight at the time due to SAFETY issues etc. Conditions/Circumstances can change and if your flight could cause an issue with airport/airspace safe operations they CAN deny even with your pre-approval in hand.
I assumed that all COA, AA, WAA had the "contact tower" clause written into them but I could be wrong.