2023-05 · NASA ASRS report 2010459
Part 107 UAS pilot reported flying in controlled airspace without authorization.
I failed to file a LAANC Authorization for operating in the ZZZ Class D airspace. I was taking photographs at the location; 3.9 SM SE from the airport; in line with the runway heading. Steady wind from the SE would have had departing aircraft taking off in my direction. However; no aircraft were seen in my vicinity.Causal factor: Human skill-based error in failing to follow my checklist during pre-flight.Preconditions: Distraction and Technical Software issue. DJI FlySafe system uses an ICAO airport boundary area protection. The FlySafe system often requires the US operator to either unlock their flight when not required by US Law or allows the operator to operate in restricted airspace without filing a LAANC. There are also altitude caps placed on certain areas; not consistent with US restriction. It was this last issue that I was dealing with. I filed with DJI a request to unlock the airspace I was operating in. It was approved by DJI FlySafe central command. However; the approval was not transmitted to my UAS controller. Thus I was capped at 100 ft.; when a LAANC would allow me to flight to 400 ft. AGL (outer ring). I wanted to fly my mission to 250 ft. AGL. I ended up only being able to fly to the 100 ft. AGL cap. I was so frustrated and distracted by this annoying DJI 'Mother may I' system; that I forgot to file the LAANC to operate. I ended up flying 26 minutes in Class D airspace without authorization.This violation was discovered today when reviewing my logbooks.
The reporter indicated they learned a valuable lesson from this event and it shouldn't happen in the future.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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