Part 107 UAS crew reported flying in Special Use Airspace without FAA approval.
Synopsis
Part 107 UAS crew reported flying in Special Use Airspace without FAA approval.
Narrative
I was sUAS crew member as RPIC for multiple flights conducted the week of Day 0 to Day 4 at Location X. Upon completing the safety review process our company was permitted access to area to conduct multiple BVLOS flights at altitudes from surface to 500 ft. AGL and at distances of up to 30 miles from the operator and at speeds exceeding 100 mph ground speed. Aside from line of sight; speed; and altitude deviations during the approved tests; all other 14CFR Part 107 stipulations were met. All flights were conducted in Restricted (RXXXX) Special Use Airspace (SUA) activated for our exclusive use and no conflicts with manned traffic occurred. The routes were planned with guidance specifically to avoid/minimize overflight of people or moving vehicles and to remain within the SUA during the test event. Additionally; all flights were for test purposes and carried no cargo for compensation or hire. The safety review board informed us that they would handle all FAA notification and flight approvals within their restricted airspace that was made available to us. It did not occur to us (the crew) that in addition to the approved use of active Restricted Airspace; that we would not need to receive a Certificate of Authorization (COA) or COW from the FAA to conduct this mission. Our trust in the oversight and privilege to operate within the SUA meant we did not seek any further approval beyond that which was provided by the Location X management.
Second reporter narrative
I was operating as RPIC during an sUAS operation for one flight conducted on Day 3. Upon completion of the safety review process our company was allowed to fly within the SUA to conduct BVLOS flights at 500 ft. AGL and up to 30 miles away from the operator; at speeds that exceeded 100mph. Aside from these deviations; we abided by all 14CFR part 107 rules. All flights were conducted in restricted special use airspace for our exclusive use and we had no conflicts with any other aircraft. All flight routes were approved beforehand by a Flight Safety Review Board; all flights were for test purposes and carried no cargo for compensation. The safety review board informed us that they handle all FAA approvals and notifications in the airspace that we were using. We did not know that in addition to the approved use of this restricted airspace by them; we would need to seek out further authorization.
NASA callback
The Reporter indicated they filed this ASRS report because during communications with the FAA; the FAA was unaware of their UAS operations. The UAS crew believed they were following all FARs when working within the SUA but believe something may have been missed and they are unsure what was missed.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.