I've read through a few other threads which have indicated that the H (along with other UAVs from Yuneec and other manufacturers) are essentially paperweights if you live within 5 miles of an airport. I haven't seen any updates since the new Part 107 regulations have come out in the United States, so I thought I would bring the question up again since I'm interested in purchasing either an H or DJI product for commercial use.
Once certified under Part 107, it will be legal for me to operate in Class G airspace under 400 ft AGL, which includes the airspace surrounding most county and regional airports. However, since my house (and the majority of the city I live in) lies within 5 miles of the county airport, I worry that the H's firmware won't allow me to even start the engines in my own back yard to hover 5 ft off the ground.
Similarly, Part 107 will allow operations within Class B, C, D and E airspace with permission from the appropriate ATC agencies. If the current firmware still has a blanket lock out of all operations within 5 miles of any airport, it'll be completely useless as a commercial machine in the US. Even if the lockout is only around "major" or tower controlled airports, the usefulness is limited.
Can anyone clarify how the H currently works (or doesn't) near smaller, uncontrolled county or regional airports in the United States? Around tower controlled fields? If the H is still locked out, can someone from Yuneec chime in with their potential plans to accommodate commercial users?
Once certified under Part 107, it will be legal for me to operate in Class G airspace under 400 ft AGL, which includes the airspace surrounding most county and regional airports. However, since my house (and the majority of the city I live in) lies within 5 miles of the county airport, I worry that the H's firmware won't allow me to even start the engines in my own back yard to hover 5 ft off the ground.
Similarly, Part 107 will allow operations within Class B, C, D and E airspace with permission from the appropriate ATC agencies. If the current firmware still has a blanket lock out of all operations within 5 miles of any airport, it'll be completely useless as a commercial machine in the US. Even if the lockout is only around "major" or tower controlled airports, the usefulness is limited.
Can anyone clarify how the H currently works (or doesn't) near smaller, uncontrolled county or regional airports in the United States? Around tower controlled fields? If the H is still locked out, can someone from Yuneec chime in with their potential plans to accommodate commercial users?