Part 107, the latest in legislative FAA goodness and the requirements for commercial drone use in the U.S., was released June 21, 2016. This is the big jump we all have been waiting for as it relates to the UAS community, and it makes the lives of those wanting to get into commercial drone work a little easier.
For those that fly for recreation, you can stop reading now and go and play. Nothing here for you.
Here is a quick sum up of what the FAA put out:
What you must do
- Register your aircraft with the FAA and mark the aircraft appropriately
- Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test through an “FAA-approved knowledge testing center” OR if you already hold a Part 61 certificate (often referred to as a pilot’s license), pass an online course (Part 107 training is expected to launch today at faasafety.gov)
- Apply for and receive a remote pilot airman certificate with an UAS rating
- Pass a pilot’s knowledge test every two years
- Conduct preflight checks to ensure that UAS are in safe operational condition
- Fly during daylight or civil twilight within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) under 100 mph and under 400 feet
- Upon request, supply your sUAS to the FAA for inspection and testing
- Report to the FAA within 10 days of any incident resulting in serious injury or property damage exceeding $500 (not including damage to your aircraft)
Who can fly
- Anyone 16-years-old and up
- And who speaks, writes, and understands the English language
- And in physical and mental condition that does not interfere with safe flight practices
- And who have been vetted by the Transportation Security Administration
What you can do
- Operate sUAS that weigh less than 55 lbs. (including payloads) for commercial purposes
- Fly without a visual observer (unless you are breaking VLOS with the drone, as in use of FPV devices — then a visual observer is required)
- Operate without an FAA airworthiness certification, pilot’s license, or Section 333 exemption
- Save a significant amount of money and time compared to the Section 333 exemption process
With many of the requirements, you must still file waivers for FAA exemptions, if needed (similar to the 333 exemption filing process)
Please DO NOT fly under these rules yet. You will be illegal if you do it now. These rules will go into effect sometime in August. Check here for updates. We will update this as often as the FAA puts out the information. Safe flying!!
