UAVs: FAA establishes new regulations for commercial drones

Aug. 30, 2016

The new Small UAS Rule (Part 107) went into effect yesterday

On August 29, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the new Small UAS Rule (Part 107), changing operation regulations for the commercial drone industry across the nation.

Part 107 established new rules for non-hobbyist small unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations, establishing stipulations for commercial drone operating requirements, pilot certification, UAS certification, as well as privacy and responsibilities as a pilot.

One of the major provisions under Part 107 is the requirements for piloting a UAS. The new rule dictates that an operator must be at least 16 years old, must pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center and needs to be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

Requirements for the aircraft itself are minimal, as FAA airworthiness certification is not required. However, the remote pilot in command must conduct a preflight check of the small UAS to ensure that it is in a condition for safe operation. The drone must be under 55 lb and must be registered with the FAA.

Some operating rules under 107, subject to waiver, include keeping the aircraft in visual line-of-sight, flying under 400 ft, during the day, at or below 100 mph in Class G airspace. The drone must not fly over people and not fly from a moving vehicle. The craft must also yield the right of way to manned aircraft.

Click here for more information on the FAA’s new Small UAS Rule, Part 107. 

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