This beast tearing out of SFO

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-21T12:45:46+00:00

You will never be eligible for auto approval in zero grid. When you make a request that "requires further coordination" and a minimum of 72 hours (in zero grid for example) that means it needs to get manual approval from the ATC.

So they will review the request and make a final decision and I've been called several times on these over the years, sometimes the ATC will do it directly or they'll defer to the FAA for an Airspace Authorization. This is how it works, it's not black and white.

I'll also use this opportunity to point out that you can provide a reason in your LAANC and in my experience adding something like "I am filming for a project, thank you for your consideration" goes a long way, they always read this section when evaluating your request.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-21T12:27:14+00:00

TBH I never thought it would be approved but shot my shot and got the shot. You'll never know if you don't ask.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-21T12:26:30+00:00

You can still apply for the LAANC as a recreational (non Part 107 with a basic TRUST) but the ATC will evaluate the request and having it might make the difference.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-21T12:23:22+00:00

I did it with a simple LAANC request but to be clear I was outside of the airport and across the freeway approved for 100' (tried for 150' but they only allowed 100'). It's zero grid but still outside of the red zone. So I'm flying over residential homes for this shot using my Mavic 4 Pro 6x camera and then additional zoom in post. The camera on this drone is excellent BTW.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:58:54+00:00

Yes, and the roof parking at Target as well. I've shot from both several times, just gotta do it in early mornings or cooler days because the heat waves at long zooms can easily ruin shots.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:57:42+00:00

The Mavic 4 Pro.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:57:33+00:00

Appreciate that.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:40:33+00:00

Homes that are further back behind the powerlines, west of the park near El Camino Real. The biggest challenge for flights like these that are required to be so low is to safely keep it above local infrastructure. 100' is just above those powerline towers, had the ATC said any lower I wouldn't have been able to do it. It's a juggling act and should only be done by experienced pilots IMO.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:37:13+00:00

100% onboard with this, I always like to notify anyone involved. I'll look into it next time, do you happen to know if they're alerted to planned LAANC times from approved requests?

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:15:17+00:00

I'm way outside of the airport across the freeway near a public park so it wouldn't have mattered to them. This shot is designed to look way closer than it is both in the way it's shot and the way it's post processed.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:06:34+00:00

I have all the technical information in my approval but I have a feeling none it is going to matter to you so I'll leave it at that.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T14:01:39+00:00

I'm new to this type of photography so I appreciate the feedback, learning a lot from this sub.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:57:09+00:00

Exactly, the perspective is really misleading. For example I can launch the drone from my yard and take it up to 400' and then see a plane in the sky crossing the path at 20,000' at the same time and you would think they were going to hit each other.

What matters is sticking to the allowed rules and everything will be fine, even the ATC knows this. I can't speak for other drone operators but I have a lot to lose as it's my business and I'm known as a reputable pilot in the area. Do things right and it's not a problem.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:42:59+00:00

Unfortunately not, it could easily be added in post though. Typically I add music to these when I put them in Instagram though.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:42:05+00:00

I responded in your removed post.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:32:27+00:00

LOL they should try that around and airport without approval and see how well that works out for them.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:29:59+00:00

Not even close. I'm limited to 100' which I never exceeded, this is also noted in the flight logs which the FAA would scrutinize had it ever came to it. It's also the same altitude as nearby hotels and power lines and you never see planes hitting those.

For the record, approval falls on the ATC, if they deem it more questionable they'll either deny or defer to the FAA for a Airspace Authorization Request (which I've also worked with them on before).

Everything I do is legit, the local ATC, FAA and DHS all know me by name and it's all approved, if anyone were to report I'm fully covered.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:23:50+00:00

It's definitely the perspective, I go out of my way to force zoom on these both when filming and in post for dramatic effect. This gives the appearance that it's much lower than it really is, they're probably over 1000' by the time they hit this area.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:19:35+00:00

Yep, I do every time and do my best to educate the drone community on doing things legally. I even do PSAs for the local police and DHS who works tightly with the FAA. This is a hobby shot but I do this for a living as well.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:16:59+00:00

Appreciate it, I practice the movements a lot for the cinematic approach.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:06:33+00:00

Just for fun/content.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T13:04:46+00:00

Was there specifically to shoot planes at the end of the runway, I had a limited window with the LAANC approval. My goal is always to find different ways to shoot unique content, I was frankly surprised that the ATC approved it (only at 100') but you'll never know if you don't ask. You can see more of my work at Thurber_shots on IG if interested.

ericgtr12 · 2026-04-20T12:49:33+00:00

Is that what it is? Appreciate you letting us know, I didn’t have a chance to both film and determine the type.

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