Step 1: Becoming a Part 107 Remote Pilot

Everything began with the foundation: studying for and passing my FAA Part 107 Certification. https://pilotinstitute.com/
That was the first major hurdle — the moment where hobby flying officially transitioned into professional aviation. Passing that test opened the door to everything that followed. Check out my Journey to Part 107 here: https://youtu.be/LBDMqi7eWmk

Step 2: Learning the Waiver & Authorization Process

Next, I invested in myself. I enrolled in Pilot Institute’s “Part 107 Waivers & Authorizations Made Easy” course. https://pilotinstitute.com/
Their guidance helped me understand the structure, expectations, and mindset behind a successful waiver or authorization request. This course didn’t just teach me what to submit — it taught me how the FAA evaluates risk, which became crucial later.

Step 3: Getting Real‑World Insight From an Experienced Zero‑Grid Pilot

I was fortunate to get input from Cameron Grant, an avid drone pilot and who has flown hundreds of missions in Zero‑Grid airspace around Las Vegas. He also is an accomplished photographer and has fabulous, unique artwork displayed all around Las Vegas. Visit his website and gallery at the following Link , https://www.thehighpoints.com/
Cameron created an excellent Zero‑Grid reference document, and his experience helped me understand the practical realities of operating in such a sensitive area. His advice helped shape my approach and gave me confidence that I was on the right track.

I also got involved with a local/national/international Drone community called Old Farts with Drones. Her is Bob Dempsey's website and Facebook page: https://oldfartswithdrones.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/oldfartswithdrones

This group now pushing almost 28,000 members, has a wealth of invaluable members and information

Step 4: Preparing the Application

On April 17, 2026, I submitted my COA application. Before hitting that button, I spent days:

Designing a proposed flight area
Creating & Completing a detailed Risk Assessment Matrix
Answering every required question with precision
Ensuring my mitigations were realistic, measurable, and aligned with FAA expectations

This wasn’t a quick copy‑and‑paste job. It took real planning, real documentation, and real diligence. and Thanks to Pilot Institute and thorough investigation and research, I had a process a workflow so to speak.

Step 5: The Long Wait

After submission, the FAA DroneZone portal showed one word:
“Submitted.” And it stayed that way.

Days passed. Then weeks.
By May 20, 2026, it still said “Submitted.”

I checked the portal daily — sometimes multiple times a day.
I checked my email.
I checked my junk folder.
I wondered if I had submitted it incorrectly.
I wondered if I used the wrong portal.
I wondered if they needed clarification but couldn’t reach me.

Silence can be loud when you’re waiting on something this important.

Step 6: Movement at Last

Finally, on May 26, 2026, the status changed to:
“Under Review.”

I expected questions.
I expected requests for clarification.
I expected revisions.

But again — nothing. No email. No messages. No requests.

Just… waiting.

Step 7: Approval

Then, on the evening of May 27, 2026, I received an email from the FAA:
“Your application status has changed.”

I logged in immediately — and there it was:
"APPROVED."

The wait was over.
The relief was real.
And the changes the FAA made were minimal — only a few small adjustments, nothing major.

I am now the proud holder of a COA for Class B Zero‑Grid Airspace on the Las Vegas Strip, valid until May 27, 2027.

Final Thoughts

This process is involved.
It takes time.
It takes planning, documentation, and patience.

For me, it took several days of preparation and more than a month of waiting. But in the end, the effort paid off. Every bit of due diligence mattered. Every detail mattered.

It will be nice when I see an impromptu Sunrise, Sunset or an unique shot and know that I can take the Drone up and capture it without waiting or applying for a LANC and waiting for several days at minimum to go and capture the shot will be refreshing.

And now, with this COA in hand, exciting times are ahead for my work, my hobby, and the future of VegasDigitalEye4U.

Feeling accomplished — and ready for what’s next..