Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported flying in controlled airspace without authorization. Officials informed the pilot after the pilot landed.
Synopsis
Recreational / Hobbyist UAS pilot reported flying in controlled airspace without authorization. Officials informed the pilot after the pilot landed.
Narrative
I'm an experienced 107 and military multi-engine aircraft pilot. I took my new UAS out to get familiar with it and to try to take pictures of Location A. I relied on DJI's built-in app to avoid restricted or warning airspace. The app allowed me to fly up to 200 feet north of Airforce Base at a spot it called an 'warning zone' with an 'altitude zone' of 60m; and the DJI Fly App allowed me to fly the drone to 60m without prior authorization through LAANC. However; as I was leaving; officials pulled up and asked me if I was flying a drone they detected on their surveillance system. I said yes and they asked me if I realized I was flying in Class B airspace. I said no; I was flying where the app allowed me to but not inside the geo-fenced area further south (closer to the airfield). They said I was still in the Class B airspace from surface to 10000 ft MSL. I apologized and told them I would be sure to stay out of the Class B airspace in the future.What I'm concerned about is that the DJI software allows the drones to fly in Class B airspace even when it starts at the surface. This oversight in the software will continue to contribute to drones flying in close proximity of airfields/airports when drone pilots assume the software takes Class B airspace into account.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.