Airport manager: FAA approved limited drone operations; board debates FBO notification and policy limits

The advisory board discussed newly authorized drone operations at the airport and whether the airport or FBO should broadcast drone activity to pilots.

The airport manager (speaker 4) told the board he "did finally get my approval from the FAA to start flying, drones at the airport," saying the COA covers inspections and marketing and is renewed on a six‑month basis. He described FAA requirements for remote pilots: insurance, certificate of authorization, and notice to TRACON before and after flights. He also said the maximum drone altitude in the airport’s Echo airspace is 400 feet.

Several members pressed for practical pilot notification: "So pilots flying in the airport area know that there's a drone flying around the airport," (speaker 3) argued, proposing that the FBO use the Unicom to announce operations. The airport manager responded that the FAA controls operational restrictions and that the city cannot impose written policies on non‑staff remote pilots because of grant assurances; he recommended voluntary practices and staff policies for city employees instead.

The board asked staff to research options — including voluntary coordination with the FBO, a staff policy for city remote pilots, and how KU and other COA holders operate — and to return with recommendations at a future meeting.