Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported they flew in controlled airspace without authorization.
Synopsis
Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported they flew in controlled airspace without authorization.
Narrative
On Day 0; at approximately XA:00; I initiated a drone operation near Location A; with the aim of gaining a clearer view of a distant plume of smoke. My primary objective was to pinpoint the smoke's origin. I selected a mostly empty parking lot for the flight; ensuring my drone; a DJI Mini 2 weighing less than 249g; remained within my line of sight throughout the operation.Unfortunately; I mistakenly flew the drone to an altitude of about 275 feet; unintentionally surpassing the LAANC ceiling of 100 feet designated for Class D airspace. At the time; I was unaware of my presence within this specific airspace. The clear midday conditions further compelled me to seek out the source of the smoke without realizing the potential violation. I was later contacted by a local drone pilot and informed that my action may have been in violation of the class D airspace.I was the only individual manipulating the controls; and no other parties were involved in this operation. The breach into the Class D airspace was a direct result of my lack of awareness about the regulations governing that area. After concluding the flight; a local drone enthusiast approached me to highlight the potential infringement. Acknowledging this oversight; I am now committed to improving my comprehension of UAS regulations. I am determined to complete the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and will ensure that I procure any necessary licenses or certifications before embarking on future recreational drone activities. This measure is crucial in preventing similar inadvertent breaches in the future.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.