January 10, 2011
Interesting! Class B,C, and D Airspace question (Read all)!?
If I was to fly a small RC toy remote controlled Helicopter 1 foot off the ground **without ATC clearance**
–and the FAA or Control Tower officials see me do it, can they get me in trouble legally [for flying in their airspace without clearance]?
*While within the 5 mile radius inner section of the airspace
*I am within 5 feet of the toy helicopter
*RF frequency from remote control is NOT an issue (49 MHZ, low power)
The only airspace I know of that directly affects or prohibits RC flight is a TFR.
AC 91-57 - Model Aircraft Operating Standards
Also read the numerous flight restrictions described in posted TFR's and you will note operations of model aircraft are prohibited in many.
Filed under RC Helicopter Toys by RC Heli Guy
Comments on Interesting! Class B,C, and D Airspace question (Read all)!? »
no. part 91 is not applicable to toys.
References :
class g airspace, which is nearest the ground to about several hundred feet, is uncontrolled airspace only if the airspace is near an airport is it controlled airspace
References :
Within 5 miles of a class B,C or D airport is (normally*) inside the inner ring of the airspace which is an area where the controlled airspace goes all the way to ground level. But as long as you are off airport property and you keep it low no one will care.
*Airspace is not always a prefect ring shape.
References :
Currently, there are no regulations prohibiting what you propose.
Have a look at AC-91-57.
The FAA has : requested" that you fly no higher than 400' within 3 miles of an airport. As long as you pose no hazzard to other aircraft. it is not a problem.
http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/1acfc3f689769a56862569e70077c9cc/FILE/ATTBJMAC/ac91-57.pdf
References :
Like one other answerer, it's a small toy. None of the airspace regs apply to you. But using common sense, you should stay away from flying your toy near an airport so you don't distract anyone. You might get some passengers thinking they saw a UFO or something. Plus it would be annoying. Just go to a park or open field and don't worry about your altitude. I doubt you could get high enough to get into controlled airspace anyway.
References :
pilot
The only airspace I know of that directly affects or prohibits RC flight is a TFR.
AC 91-57 - Model Aircraft Operating Standards
Also read the numerous flight restrictions described in posted TFR's and you will note operations of model aircraft are prohibited in many.
References :
While its not against regulations airport security would come and tell you not to fly the toy there. We had a guy flying a rc airplane in a sports field next to a class D airport and we were flying a R22. The plane was about 100ft under us as we turned on final. Someone had called it in and airport security told the guy to fly it some where else…
References :
Pilot