FlySafe

Your Guide to Safe Drone Flying

 

FlySafe is San Bernardino International Airport’s (SBD) dedicated initiative to promote the safe, respectful, and legal use of drones within our community. By encouraging responsible drone operations, we aim to foster both recreational enjoyment and economic growth.

To help residents and businesses ‘FlySafe,’ SBD provides comprehensive tools and resources through AirHub® Portal – a powerful platform approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Integrated with the FAA’s B4UFLY service and Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), AirHub® Portal offers live data on potential risks, advisories for local events or emergencies, and essential flight planning features. With just a few clicks, pilots can access pre-flight risk assessments, check local weather conditions, identify airspace restrictions, and receive automated real-time LAANC approvals for flights in controlled airspace under 400 feet.

Whether you’re a recreational drone enthusiast or a commercial operator, FlySafe is your gateway to safe and compliant drone flying in San Bernardino County.

 
 

What is LAANC?

 
LAANC is a partnership between the FAA and private industry, including Airspace Link, to safely integrate small drones into the national airspace. Since flying within the national airspace is strictly regulated by the FAA, all drone operations must obtain FAA LAANC authorization before flying in controlled airspace – especially in areas like the airspace surrounding San Bernardino International Airport (SBD). Fortunately, drone pilots can now receive LAANC authorization for most operations in just a few seconds through AirHub® Portal, which also includes the FAA’s B4UFLY service. This integration allows pilots to easily check for airspace restrictions and advisories before submitting their LAANC requests. Additionally, Part 107 pilots can request further coordination with the FAA for operations that LAANC cannot automatically approve.

Steps to Get Started Now

 

Step 1: Confirm Your Certifications

 

Step 2: FAA Drone Registration / Remote ID Requirement

  • If your drone weighs more than 0.55 pounds, you must register it with the FAA.
  • Remote ID is essential for the safety and security of our airspace, acting like a digital license plate for your drone. Ensure your drone is compliant with Remote ID regulations by the FAA’s mandatory deadline of March 16, 2024. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for flying legally and safely in San Bernardino. For more information, visit FAA Remote ID.

 

Step 3: Create a New Pilot Account

  • Register as a San Bernardino drone pilot using a valid email address in AirHub® Portal. Once registered, you’ll have access to up-to-date airspace information, create new LAANC operation submissions, and receive real-time automated approvals from participating air traffic facilities and airports nationwide.

 

Step 4: Plan Your Flight

  • After logging in, locate where you will be operating your drone using an address, a known location name, geographic coordinates, or manually navigate using the interactive map. You can also quickly create an operation from anywhere in AirHub® Portal by clicking the blue plus button in the upper right corner of the desktop application or the upper left corner of the mobile application.

 

Step 5: Define Operation Parameters 

  • Specify your operation area (Rectangle, Polygon, Ellipse), Operation Title, Operation Type, Operation Altitude, Start Time, Duration, and Pilot in Command information.

 

Step 6: Request FAA LAANC Authorization

  • Submit a request for FAA LAANC authorization through AirHub® Portal. The system will guide you through the process and provide real-time automated approvals when needed or possible.

 

Know the Rules

Following the FAA’s drone pilot regulations ensures a safe and successful flight.

 

Additional Resources

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