26/11/2025
🚫 DON’T FLY AT AIRPORTS.
…unless you’re doing it properly. 😉
Last week I flew at Clarion Hotel® Air for Eye-share | Purchase-to-Pay. Automated. Right across the road from Sola Airport’s runway.
I’ve flown within CTR zones many times, but with everything happening lately, I felt an even stronger responsibility to do things by the book.
And honestly… that is the annoying part?
It’s not hard to do it right.
📲 1. File everything in Ninox:
When I know I’ll be operating in a CTR zone, I file the flight in Ninox well in advance, ideally first thing in the morning. This gives the tower time to review your plan before you even arrive.(And yes, sometimes you don't get that luxury, but when you can, do it.)
Once the plan is approved, then I request takeoff.
I personally don’t turn on my drone until I have explicit takeoff clearance.
When I get approval → I power up → I fly.
I also keep my flight time as short as possible.
Plan your shots in advance, be precise, and be honest about how long you actually need. If it’s five minutes, say five minutes, don’t request 15 “just in case.” Towers appreciate clarity.
🦺 2. Be identifiable. Wear the vest. Be the professional on-site. Not the person who looks like they’re trying to be invisible.
📞 3. Keep your phone on loud, and have the tower’s number saved. If the tower needs you, you must be reachable. I also keep the tower’s direct number saved so I can call them immediately if anything unexpected happens.
📡 4. Contact the tower early and politely. Never rush a drone flight at an airport. Give yourself margin. It almost always takes longer than expected, but in my experience the tower team are happy to fit you in when they can.
👀 5. Expect questions from people nearby. During the shoot several people approached me to check if I had permission, knew the rules, and was flying where I should. They weren’t being difficult, they were being responsible. A calm, professional response goes a long way.
🛑 6. And remember: the airport always has the final word.
If they say no, you don’t fly.
Simple as that.
So please…
🚫 Don’t fly at airports.
…unless you’re doing it right. 🚁✨