Low Level Aerial Video and Indoor Drone Operations in Reno, NV

Reno Nevada has a great International airport no more than 15 minutes from anywhere. That’s convenient for traveling in and out of the area but very inconvenient for drone operators trying to shoot at one of the many warehouse facilities inside the RNO Class C airspace that overlies almost all industrial areas Reno and Sparks.

Fortunately, Reno is one of the lucky places that has access to the FAA’s LAANC system. this is the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability that lets the Air Traffic Control system automatically approve compatible drone flights in controlled airspace. As a licensed remote pilot under part 107 of the FAA I can use a mobile app to apply for instant authorization to fly within the controlled airspace around the Reno-Tahoe International airport. In the case of a recent shoot I was asked to do in east Reno near the airport, I was able to get authorization to fly up to 50 feet AGL while small planes and helicopters were flying nearby.

While this is really stressful and nerve wracking, at least I know that the flight is save and legal and completely above board. I was able to get all of the shots the client required for their out of state video production, while still operating within the bounds of the law, my license and my insurance, all of which require Authorization to fly in controlled airspace.

For this particular project the client also requested drone video footage from inside the warehouse. This particular warehouse had very high ceilings, no major obstructions and a wood roof so the Mavic 2 Pro was still able to get a full GPS lock. I used the drone in tripod mode so all movements were limited to dead slow and smooth so no hiccups could result in a crash into equipment, facilities or personnel.