Explanation of FAA Part 107 Rule for Commercial Drone Use

WAUKESHA, Wis. - June 21, 2016 - PRLog -- Part 107, the new legislative FAA requirements for commercial drone use in the U.S., were released this morning. The editors at Drone360 magazine are providing a clear summary of the changes, which have been awaited by the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) community for years.

Who can fly
·       Anyone 16-years-old and up
·       Those who speak, write, and understand the English language
·       Those in physical and mental condition that does not interfere with safe flight practices
·       Those who have been vetted by the Transportation Security Administration

What you have to 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 www.faasafety.gov)
·       Apply for and receive a remote pilot airman certificate with an sUAS rating
·       Pass a recurring 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 (generally, fly safely and use common sense)
·       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)

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
·       File waivers for FAA exemptions to many of the requirements, if needed (similar to the 333 exemption filing process)

These rules make entry into the commercial drone market substantially easier. They do not apply to hobby or recreational sUAS (small unmanned aerial systems). They're anticipated to go into effect in late August. The FAA estimates that it will be able to issue remote pilot certificates within 10 business days after receiving completed applications.

Jim Williams, former manager of the FAA's UAS Integration Office and current principal and co-chair of the UAS Practice at Dentons, says Part 107 is an important foundational step for the drone industry.

"By separating the sUAS from the manned aircraft rules, you are essentially creating a whole new structure by which you regulate these aircraft," he says. "Everything else can be built from this."

The FAA is continually conducting research into various areas of sUAS operation, and Williams predicts that Part 107 will continue to grow. "As the FAA learns more, they'll start to open up more types of operations in different areas," he says. "More and more opportunities and operational concepts will get approved."

FAA administrator Michael Huerta corroborated this view in the FAA press release, saying, "This is just our first step. We're already working on additional rules that will expand the range of operations."

Kalmbach Publishing Co. launched Drone360 (http://www.drone360mag.com/) with two successful special interest publications in 2015. Drone360 is now published as a bimonthly magazine complemented by in-depth digital content. The editorial staff is comprised of drone experts and enthusiasts. Members of the magazine's Advisory Board (http://www.drone360mag.com/news-notes/2016/02/uas-luminaries-join-drone360-advisory-board) come from varying backgrounds and include perspectives both inside and out of the unmanned vehicle industry. Kalmbach Publishing Co., based in suburban Milwaukee, publishes 12 special-interest magazines-including Astronomy, Trains, Discover, Model Railroader, Drone360, Bead & Button, and related books-and produces websites and events based on those content areas.

Note to editors: For additional insight into the drone industry and current and pending UAS legislation, contact Claire LaBeaux to arrange interviews with the expert and unbiased team of editors at Drone360 magazine.