Night Ops in 0 Grid LAANC clarification?

[ZBlackwood]

TLDR: I believe my answer is no, I cannot, and I am limited to the designated altitude in the respective grid area regardless of my authorization which may have a higher permitted altitude.

We are needing to do some night operations here in the very near future. Just taking a few pictures and possibly some video in a couple areas that fall into our LAANC area of KONP.
With the new rules, we are able to do so when properly equipped, and my understanding of the rules and "National Authorization."

My question is, if we get a LAANC authorization to fly higher than the posted altitude on the facility map, does that increased altitude apply to the night operations as well?

I don't think it does and we'll be limited to the altitude published in that grid area. The area we'll be in is a 100' grid, but is quite close to a 0 grid which prompted my question and search for a solid answer.

Since the national authorization states:

"This extension is effective only in conjunction with LAANC issued authorizations at or below the Unmanned Aircraft System Facility Map (UASFM) values."​

Can I get some confirmation or clarification if I'm understanding that correctly?

 

[Rangeway]

I've asked the question to the ATO policy folks at the FAA who used to work for me, but in the meantime, you may want to submit a nighttime altitude waiver request through the dronezone as a backup.

 

[Vic Moss]

For any night op request outside LAANC UASFM limits, you have to apply for a 107.41 Airspace Authorization via the Drone Zone. 7711-1 and LAANC are only good for UASFM limits at LAANC enabled airports.

 

[Fred Garvin]

For any night op request outside LAANC UASFM limits, you have to apply for a 107.41 Airspace Authorization via the Drone Zone. 7711-1 and LAANC are only good for UASFM limits at LAANC enabled airports.

Unless you already have a CoA for the airspace?

 

[Vic Moss]

Unless you already have a CoA for the airspace?

Nope. 107.29 Waivers were all terminated on 5/17. The COAs are still good, but only for daylight/twilight hours. No night flights allowed.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Even with the new training?

If that's the case, then we're much, much worse off than before. Before, with my 107.29 and CoA for the airspace, I could fly at night in that airspace.

 

[Vic Moss]

Even with the new training?

If that's the case, then we're much, much worse off than before. Before, with my 107.29 and CoA for the airspace, I could fly at night in that airspace.

Yep. But, you can fill out a new COA and add the night hours. It’s dumb, but that’s the new method.

 

[HawkView]

Did the FAA provide notice of termination to holders of 107.29 Waivers?

My 107.29 renewal was approved on 4/5/21 (applied 12/26/20). I have not received any notification that it is now invalid.

Are they relying on me reading through the new regulations - or following Vic Moss?

Nope. 107.29 Waivers were all terminated on 5/17. The COAs are still good, but only for daylight/twilight hours. No night flights allowed.

 

[Vic Moss]

Did the FAA provide notice of termination to holders of 107.29 Waivers?

My 107.29 renewal was approved on 4/5/21 (applied 12/26/20). I have not received any notification that it is now invalid.

Are they relying on me reading through the new regulations - or following Vic Moss?

All 107.29 waiver were terminated on 5/17/21.

New wording on 107.29 as per 1/15/21: "After May 17, 2021, no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system at night in accordance with a certificate of waiver issued prior to March 16, 2021 under § 107.200. The certificates of waiver issued prior to March 16, 2021 under § 107.200 that authorize deviation from § 107.29 terminate on May 17, 2021."

Full published Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-15/pdf/2020-28947.pdf

I also just reached out to the FAA Communications team suggesting they send out an email to the existing 107.29 waiver holders, similar to what they did with the cancellation of the 107.39 waivers.

 

[R.Perry]

Don't we just love the way the government does things?

 

[TreeLineView]

All 107.29 waiver were terminated on 5/17/21.

New wording on 107.29 as per 1/15/21: "After May 17, 2021, no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft system at night in accordance with a certificate of waiver issued prior to March 16, 2021 under § 107.200. The certificates of waiver issued prior to March 16, 2021 under § 107.200 that authorize deviation from § 107.29 terminate on May 17, 2021."

Full published Final Rule: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-15/pdf/2020-28947.pdf

I also just reached out to the FAA Communications team suggesting they send out an email to the existing 107.29 waiver holders, similar to what they did with the cancellation of the 107.39 waivers.

Thanks Vic for your group staying on top of this. Hopefully they listen.