UAV/UAS: “Paper airplane” gets FAA approval

Aug. 28, 2015

A Section 33 exemption has been granted to first powered paper airplane to fly in commercial airspace

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the first ever toy powered paper airplane to fly commercially in U.S. airspace.

A Section 333 Exemption, which endows a specific person or entity to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in open airspace, was granted to Peter Sachs, a drone advocate, lawyer and commercial helicopter pilot.

The “aircraft” Sachs received the 333 for is a Tailor Toys PowerUp 3.0—an actual paper airplane that is remotely powered for flight. According to the manufacturer, it “transforms ordinary paper into a smartphone-controlled flying machine.”

The paper plane has a 180 ft range and is capable of sustained flight for 10 min on a single battery charge.

The FAA is presently vetting and responding to more than 4,500 comments received on its proposed UAV/UAS rules, which were made available to public comment through April of this year. Official recommendations are not expected until sometime in 2016, but the Section 333 Exemption process has been engaged as a means of allowing operators and companies to develop UAV business operations in the interim.

More on this topic will be available in the September issue of Roads & Bridges, which will appear on this website by September 4.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.