This is a copy of a another post that says it better than I can.
"Here's the short version: If you are shooting video or photography using RC aircraft whether it's fixed-wing or heli and it's for commercial or promotional purposes it's illegal. Period. That is unless you have what's called a COA or have undergone a very lengthy and costly certification process.
In point of fact, two well known RC-aerial operators (names withheld) have been given "cease and desist" orders from the FAA and been threatened with a $10k per-day fine for non-compliance. Both of these operators are now shut-down and their websites pulled.
At issue are three very important points:
First, the FAR's or Federal Air Regulations that specifically apply to RC aircraft - or UAV's - for the purpose of commercial aerial photography has not been widely disseminated by the FAA or any other governing authority. It remains a mostly unknown but very volatile piece of information.
Second, the FAA contends that unless the entity wanting to use RC-aerials is under the auspices of a "C.O.A." - which is only issued for government or research facilities for the purposes of search and rescue, military ops, law enforcement or scientific research then that company must: A) Certify the aircraft just as if it were full-sized; B) Obtain formal operator training and also become certified as a UAV operator; C) Carry the appropriate insurances; D) Follow and maintain certain airspace rules and restrictions mandated by the FAA.
Three: The airframe and operator certification process the FAA is requiring does not formally exist anywhere currently. No forum, school or government agency has been created - nor the curriculum - to facilitate these certifications. It's a "chicken before the egg" scenario, for lack of a better term.
So, if you are using your RC heli or airplane to take video or shoot stills for your clients or even just to promote your own company you're doing so without FAA approval and you're subject to being shut down and potentially fined. End of story.
For those who are already shooting RC aerials for commercial purposes: Stop what you're doing and read over this information before you make one more flight. For those who are intending to get into this relatively new market: Don't. Until this gets sorted out by the FAA and whatever organization gets formed to manage this it's a non-starter as you'll be entering into an illegal operation from day one.
Enclosed are a few documents which have been given to me directly from the FAA. Read them carefully so you can understand the mandates the FAA has created.
Lastly, contact the FAA representative directly who is in-charge (so to speak) about this issue and hear about it from the horses mouth:"
Randy Willis
Senior Analyst
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (AJR-36)
FAA Headquarters
800 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20591
Ph: 202-267-8565
Fax: 202-267-5809
randy.ctr.willis@faa.gov
Read these if you want to get into RC aerials for commercial work.
Hi Mike,
I just enrolled at 'diydrones' and am an RC enthusiast flying helicopters. I am very keen to start aerial photography services and am very impressed with your work. I have the following helis - Raptor30, Raptor50, and Hirobo Sceadu30. Can you please suggest how I can begin? I am also a film maker with a fair knowledge of production work including cameras and equipment. But, I don't know how to integrate these. Please help! You can reach me on email: george@channeloneindia.com Thanks and regards George
Replies
"Here's the short version: If you are shooting video or photography using RC aircraft whether it's fixed-wing or heli and it's for commercial or promotional purposes it's illegal. Period. That is unless you have what's called a COA or have undergone a very lengthy and costly certification process.
In point of fact, two well known RC-aerial operators (names withheld) have been given "cease and desist" orders from the FAA and been threatened with a $10k per-day fine for non-compliance. Both of these operators are now shut-down and their websites pulled.
At issue are three very important points:
First, the FAR's or Federal Air Regulations that specifically apply to RC aircraft - or UAV's - for the purpose of commercial aerial photography has not been widely disseminated by the FAA or any other governing authority. It remains a mostly unknown but very volatile piece of information.
Second, the FAA contends that unless the entity wanting to use RC-aerials is under the auspices of a "C.O.A." - which is only issued for government or research facilities for the purposes of search and rescue, military ops, law enforcement or scientific research then that company must: A) Certify the aircraft just as if it were full-sized; B) Obtain formal operator training and also become certified as a UAV operator; C) Carry the appropriate insurances; D) Follow and maintain certain airspace rules and restrictions mandated by the FAA.
Three: The airframe and operator certification process the FAA is requiring does not formally exist anywhere currently. No forum, school or government agency has been created - nor the curriculum - to facilitate these certifications. It's a "chicken before the egg" scenario, for lack of a better term.
So, if you are using your RC heli or airplane to take video or shoot stills for your clients or even just to promote your own company you're doing so without FAA approval and you're subject to being shut down and potentially fined. End of story.
For those who are already shooting RC aerials for commercial purposes: Stop what you're doing and read over this information before you make one more flight. For those who are intending to get into this relatively new market: Don't. Until this gets sorted out by the FAA and whatever organization gets formed to manage this it's a non-starter as you'll be entering into an illegal operation from day one.
Enclosed are a few documents which have been given to me directly from the FAA. Read them carefully so you can understand the mandates the FAA has created.
Lastly, contact the FAA representative directly who is in-charge (so to speak) about this issue and hear about it from the horses mouth:"
Randy Willis
Senior Analyst
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (AJR-36)
FAA Headquarters
800 Independence Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20591
Ph: 202-267-8565
Fax: 202-267-5809
randy.ctr.willis@faa.gov
Read these if you want to get into RC aerials for commercial work.
AVIATION SAFETY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT PROGRAM OFFICE AIR-160
http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design_approvals/uas/reg/media...
FAA ORDER 8130.34 - http://rgl.faa.gov/regulatory_and_guidance_library/rgorders.nsf/0/8...$FILE/Order%208130.34.pdf
UA Opertations in the NAS.pdf
I just enrolled at 'diydrones' and am an RC enthusiast flying helicopters. I am very keen to start aerial photography services and am very impressed with your work. I have the following helis - Raptor30, Raptor50, and Hirobo Sceadu30. Can you please suggest how I can begin? I am also a film maker with a fair knowledge of production work including cameras and equipment. But, I don't know how to integrate these. Please help! You can reach me on email: george@channeloneindia.com Thanks and regards George