There are ample resources for local drone operators to avoid restricted airspace, including near Guam’s military installations and airports, many of which are free.
A local company called 2cofly contacted The Guam Daily Post to help share some of the tools available to residents and entrepreneurs looking to film drones for personal or commercial purposes. The offer was made shortly after Andersen Air Force Base issued a statement that its security forces had “blocked” unauthorized drones “in military airspace.”
According to the release issued on June 13, the two operators were issued citations and despite the ban, no injuries or property damages occurred. Violators can be fined up to $ 10,000.
“One of the things many people have to be aware of about the drone industry is that it’s very new,” Greg Barnes, 2cofly’s operations manager, told a post in an interview that the Federal Regulations for commercial drone pilots Explained that it was adopted in less than 6. years ago.
However, there are free apps and web-based platforms that clearly indicate Guam’s no-fly zone, and can even complete the process of applying for a conditional permit that allows residents to fly a drone in restricted airspace.
Burns showed how to use Aloft, a free mobile phone app, to connect existing federal credentials with the ability to plan shoots near military installations. When pilots are considering a platform, it is also important that the map clearly distinguishes and defines the drone’s regulated areas.
“For example, there are places within a five-mile radius of the airport where you can fly to a certain number of feet,” Barnes said, pointing out the shooting locations that the drone could handle. Unless the aircraft exceeds 50 feet.
Federal training, licenses, and permits may be required to varying degrees, depending on where and what the drone pilot is operating.
Dong Won Lee, co-owner of 2cofly, which operates the drone, said conditional flight permits can be easily obtained with a one-time shoot at many local facilities initially listed as restricted. I did. He added that a similar process could be completed in the military.
While these certificates can be valid for as short as a few hours, Lee currently has several valid certifications that cover the timeframes of major projects, including airports. But in his experience, he said, long-term contracts are usually tied to work with the construction industry.
“For Andersen (Air Force Base), we need two types of approval,” Lee said. “Therefore, even if you get approval from (Federal Aviation Administration), you still need to get approval from the base, and you need to get that approval every time.”
The pair said newcomers to drone pilots, whether for fun or as part of their business, can rely on local groups established on social media for guidance and advice. ..
Required training
Lee and Barnes, along with Pearla Cordero, are Shimauchi representatives of the FAA Safety Team. In compliance with Drone Safety Day, the group has announced a service announcement to help pilots “fly safely.”
Coredero, Chief Operating Officer of Bella Wings Aviation, warned that drones are “not toys” but are classified and treated as aircraft by the federal government.
The FAA website allows you to register drones, which are requirements for crafting over certain weights. But if it’s being used for commercial purposes, she said she would need to register a smaller, lighter drone.
“For recreation pilots, taking the Recreation UAS Safety Test makes it easy to learn about drone regulation,” she said. “This free online training created by FAA is required for all recreation pilots to complete.”
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