Its all worryingly simple.
Write manuals, get an N number for your airframe apply for a COA and the pilot needs a PPL.
What took them so long!
In their applications, the firms said the operators will hold private pilot certificates, keep the UAS within line of sight at all times and restrict flights to the “sterile area” on the set. In granting the exemption, FAA accepted these safety conditions, adding an inspection of the aircraft before each flight, and prohibiting operations at night. The agency also will issue Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) that mandate flight rules and timely reports of any accident or incidents.
“The applicants submitted UAS flight manuals with detailed safety procedures that were a key factor in our approval of their requests,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We are thoroughly satisfied these operations will not pose a hazard to other aircraft or to people and property on the ground.”
The full press release
Comments
"...All you need is a PPL..."
Seriously? To fly an Iris with a GP3 commercially? Lunacy.
No not the Hollywood folks John, the test site selection process. It was delayed and without any real purpose. The term white elphants springs to mind. There were some great choices that seemed to be ignored.
I can't believe folks are only calling foul on the test sites now, we knew before they were selected for political reasons they had no purpose.
There is not one that is less than a 5 figure sum a day to use there was never a test schedule laid out.
They were selected in the wrong places, the two best options were ignored and folks just let it happen.
Follow the money.
There are efforts to redress the balance but I doubt folks will get behind them.
I get bored of trotting it out but in the UK in 2006 the CAA said what should the rules look like about 110 of us said oh like this and they took it all on board and created some pretty restrictive rules to start. Every year since they have been taking away restrictions and adding extensions all based on real world data from licenced operators. This is happening in many European countries.
If I were an American innovator I would forget waiting and link up with somebody in Europe that can get you tax advantage. Test sites like Aerohub have tax incentives to use, a hanger and airspace for cheap in a lovely part of the world. There are similar all over Europe if Cornwall is not your kettle of fish.
Ah it took Jack to spot the loophole. Hollywood gets it easy and everyone else is going to get ASTM F-38 or are they?
Since no movie ever reports net income to the IRS, no money is made & it's legal! What a victory for diydrones commenters.
The FAA seems a bit more reasonable now. Perhaps some of the legal actions taken against them are having an effect?
@ Jesse
Why wouldn't you have to keep your medical current? Under a COA a medical is required and the exemption document states:
"Petitioners should describe the medical standards and certification of the PIC(s) directly
responsible for the operation of the UAS"
Great! So we can finally use our PPL's for generating an income, AND without having to keep our medical current. :-) win-win!
So GA Pilots are qualified for RC type work. How about a little RC helicopter nose in inverted hoover....
Good conference call today. It looks like the path is open to everyone now. Here is a link to the information on the FAA website: http://www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333/how_to_file...