What is required to operate a small UAS in Class D airspace under Part 107?
AATC clearance identical to manned aircraft requirements.
BPrior authorization from the ATC tower controlling that airspace.✓
COnly a NOTAM filing: no ATC contact needed.
Why →Class D surrounds airports with an operating control tower but without Class B or C volume. Under § 107.41, prior ATC authorization is required. LAANC is available at many Class D airports for near-real-time authorization. Drone pilots are NOT required to establish two-way radio communication. That is a manned aircraft VFR requirement.
The trap →NOTAM filings do not grant airspace authorization; they are notices, not permissions.
Field note →Class D typically extends surface to 2,500 feet AGL within a roughly 4–5 NM radius. When the tower is closed, Class D reverts to Class E or G, changing the authorization requirement. Always check tower hours.
SOURCE → 14 CFR § 107.41CHECKED JUL 16ACS II.A.K1EASY