10 March 2025

By Timothy Brazzel

Recently, I received an opportunity to conduct a drone operation through my union, which is associated with my employer. However, due to this being a bargaining year for contract negotiations, I will not mention the names of either organization. The operation took place during a delegates conference in Universal City, CA, from February 21-23, 2025, where I stayed at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. I was brought on to drone a union rally event scheduled for Saturday, February 22, by an administrative director who assured me that all necessary communications and approvals had been handled.

Despite the reassurance, I felt the need to verify that everything was truly in place. I approached the hotel’s front staff to confirm their awareness of the operation. To my surprise, not only were they uninformed, but the hotel's event coordinator was also not fully briefed. After speaking with her, I discovered that the Sheraton Universal Hotel was actually owned by Universal Studios. The coordinator initially stated that Universal Studios controlled the airspace, which I respectfully corrected by explaining that, according to the FAA, they are the governing body over all airspace and that any airspace approval must go through them. However, I acknowledged that Universal Studios had jurisdiction over their property, meaning they controlled who could take off or land there.

The coordinator agreed to follow up with Universal Studios and promised to get back to me. About 30 minutes later, she called to confirm that I was cleared to fly. Notably, although I provided my certification details, I was not required to sign any documents or provide proof of insurance, even though I had access to it.

Ultimately, effective communication played a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution of my drone operation. By taking the initiative to clarify all necessary details, I was able to secure authorization and prevent any potential disruptions, such as interference from law enforcement, security, or signal jamming. Interestingly, upon takeoff, my RC controller screen briefly went black. However, I remained calm, quickly regained connection, and completed the flight without further issues.

This experience reinforced the importance of thorough communication when planning a drone operation, especially when dealing with multiple entities that may have overlapping authority. When in doubt, always take the extra step to confirm approvals and ensure that all involved parties are on the same page.

Final thoughts: Now that both the hotel and Universal Studios are aware of who I am and what I do, this interaction may open doors for future opportunities. By maintaining professionalism and engaging in effective dialogue, I have potentially laid the groundwork for new collaborations down the road.

Helpful Tips for Drone Operations in Complex Environments

• Verify All Approvals – Even if someone assures you that everything is handled, always double-check with all relevant parties.

• Communicate Clearly – Ensure all stakeholders, including event coordinators and property managers, are fully informed about your drone operation.

• Understand Airspace Regulations – Be prepared to educate others about FAA airspace authority versus property jurisdiction.

• Provide Credentials – Having your certification details ready can help establish credibility and trust.

•  Stay Calm Under Pressure – Technical issues can arise; remain composed and troubleshoot efficiently.

• Be Proactive – If something feels uncertain, take the initiative to confirm details rather than assuming everything is set.

• Build Relationships – Engaging in professional dialogue can create future opportunities and partnerships.

• Have Backup Plans – Always be prepared for unexpected situations that may require adjustments to your operation.

By following these tips, drone pilots can navigate complex environments more effectively and ensure smooth operations.

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