First, there are the federal drone rules that are established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These rules are broken into subsets based on the type of drone pilot you are.

Let’s take a look at the FAA drone pilot rules as they apply to different types of drone pilots.

Recreational Drone Pilot

• Fly your drone for your enjoyment only. This defines flying a drone for recreational purposes.
• Always keep your drone in visual line of sight (VLOS) or use a visual observer to keep an eye on it with you.
• Never interfere with manned aircraft and always give way.
• Fly at or below 400 feet in controlled airspace and use resources like DroneZone and LAANC to make sure you’re in compliance.
• Fly at or below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace (Class G).
• Coming soon is the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), so be sure to take that test when it comes available and retain proof of passage.
• Be sure to register your drone, mark the aircraft with the registration number and keep the certificate with you whenever you’re flying.
• Be a responsible drone pilot by not operating your drone in a dangerous manner. This includes interfering with law enforcement and emergency responders, and never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Be aware that a breach of any of these rules may subject you to FAA enforcement.

Commercial Drone Pilot

If you’ve studied for, taken, and passed your FAA Part 107 drone pilot test, you can operate a registered drone weighing less than 55 lbs as a commercial drone pilot. At this point you can make money with your drone.  A commercial drone pilot must adhere to the same rules as a recreational drone pilot, with a few additions. The FAA has compiled a summary of the Part 107 drone rules here. Since the publication of those rules, there have been a few changes with regards to drone flights at night and flights over people.

The FAA advises that “The Operations Over People rule became effective on April 21, 2021. Drone pilots operating under Part 107 may fly at night over people, and moving vehicles without a waiver as long as they meet the requirements defined in the rule. Airspace authorizations are still required for night operations in controlled airspace under 400 feet.”

Public Safety and Government Drone Pilots

Public safety and government officials have two options for operating a drone under 55 lbs. A drone pilot could hold an FAA Part 107 pilot certificate, or he or she could maintain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) to be able to fly a drone for governmental purposes. If you’re wondering if your organization qualifies for a COA, check out this article regarding COAs to get details about how to go about obtaining one.

The FAA has put together this public safety toolkit with associated documents and links.

Educational Drone Pilots

There are a couple considerations for flying drones for educational purposes. The “Limited Exception for Recreational Flyers and Community-Based Organizations” allows that a pilot may fly a drone without obtaining a Part 107 drone license if the flight is for recreational purposes only. The rules here are the same as the recreational drone flight rules. And of course you can always earn your FAA Part 107 drone pilots license and fly for educational purposes.

State Drone Laws

In addition to adhering to the federal drone laws, states can make their own drone rules at the state level. The overwhelming majority of these laws pertain to the use of drones by law enforcement and the use of footage captured, unlawful surveillance of persons where reasonable privacy is expected, and scouting and tracking game animals for hunting purposes.

Most states also prohibit flying drones around critical infrastructure and most certainly prohibit drones from interfering with emergency services. States can also prohibit the use of drones in state parks and designated wilderness areas. There is often signage at entrances to state parks that will tell you if drone operation isn’t welcome.

As each state has different laws pertaining to its unique situation, it is important to do your due diligence and research those requirements and limitations prior to flying your drone.

In 2020, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) met and discussed recent state drone legislation enacted by several states. The result was 11 new pieces of legislation regarding drone laws spanning the country including Florida, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, Vermont and Virginia. The following list from NCSL summarizes the legislative decisions on state drone laws:

“Four states—Florida, Idaho, Minnesota and South Dakota—allowed UAS operations by emergency management workers, including wildfire management.

Two states—Minnesota and Missouri—prohibited UAS flying over property, including correctional and mental health facilities and open-air facilities such as sports stadiums.

Two states—Idaho and Minnesota—permitted law enforcement agencies to operate UAS for specified purposes, including traffic crash reconstruction, search and rescue missions, and training purposes.

One state—Vermont—prohibited law enforcement from operating UAS while using facial recognition, except for purposes such as search and rescue and assessing wildfires, floods and storms.

Three states—Florida, Massachusetts and Virginia—appropriated funds for UAS-related certifications, programs and public-private partnerships.

One state—Virginia—empowered localities to regulate the takeoff and landing of UAS on property owned by the locality. Previously, localities were preempted from regulating UAS.”

Local Drone Laws

There are local drone laws that place limits on the use of drones in certain cities, towns, and municipalities. For example, the state of Alaska has a local drone law that is very regionally and seasonally specific: “In the Southeastern Alaska Area, (a) during an open commercial salmon fishing period, a person may not use an unmanned aircraft to locate salmon for the commercial taking of salmon or to direct commercial salmon fishing operations.”

Because state and local drone laws can change based on necessity and use, it is important to not only adhere to the overarching federal drone regulations, but also be aware of any state and local regulations that may be in place. As with the example in Southeast Alaska, it could be a law you wouldn’t even think about because it’s so specific. Keep the rules of the sky in mind, and check with your state legislature to get the most up-to-date drone regulations.

About the Author

Sean has been a private pilot and commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems operator since 2015 and is an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. He is a Florida local, born in Daytona Beach and living in Orlando. After joining the Navy at the age of 19, he served a six year enlistment as a Nuclear Operator on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). Subsequent pivot points include Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nautical Horizons, LLC, Chief Seismic Navigator for offshore oil & gas, a Masters Degree in Ocean Engineering with a design thesis, and a patent for ocean instrumentation devices.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post National Drone Laws – What are they? appeared first on DARTdrones.

On December 28^th, 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration finalized rules regarding remote identification requirements for unmanned aircraft systems. This tracking system was proposed in 2019 in an effort to integrate drones into the National Airspace System. Just as fixed-wing and helicopters have a registration number and can be remotely identified and tracked, so will sUAS or drones.

Using radio frequencies, e.g. WiFi and Bluetooth, a remote ID provides information about a drone in flight. Its registration number, location, elevation, velocity, and where it took off from can be tracked. If a drone is identified in an area or airspace where drone flight is prohibited, or if the drone is seen flying in an unsafe manner, it can be identified and traced. The Final Determination from the FAA will require that most drones flying in US airspace have remote identification capabilities. This begs the question of how current drone operators should proceed.

The FAA has outlined three ways in which a drone operator can become compliant.

1. An operator can fly a drone that has remote ID capabilities built in.

This is called a Standard Remote ID Drone. This broadcasts the drone’s emergency status, ID, location and altitude, and where it was launched from. The drone will broadcast this information from the time of takeoff to the time of shutdown. Drone manufacturer DJI issued this comment after the release of the final rules:

“DJI has long supported the FAA’s Remote ID initiative because it will enhance drone accountability, safety and security. The FAA’s deliberative process of reviewing over 50,000 public comments has resulted in a rule that will serve the whole industry, as operators move on to more complex drone operations that save lives and benefit society. We are reviewing the final rule to understand how DJI can take steps towards complying with the FAA’s upcoming requirements.”

Drone manufacturers have 18 months after the effective date to update their fleet manufacturing.

2. An operator can retrofit a Remote ID Broadcast Module on an existing drone.

There are differences between installing a module and operating a drone with factory-installed capabilities. A module only allows for line-of-sight operations, and the emergency status of the drone is not available.

Drone operators have 30 months after the effective date to make their aircraft compliant.

3. An operator can fly a drone in areas sponsored by community organizations and educational institutions.

These areas are called FAA-recognized identification areas, or FRIA. These are the only areas a drone pilot may operate a drone without remote ID.

There has also been a registration update with regards to recreational drone pilots.

Under the new rule, recreational drone operators may use one registration number for multiple aircraft. This means that if a recreational drone pilot is using a module, he or she is permitted to move the module from aircraft to aircraft, as long as the drones are under the same registration number. If the pilot is using multiple Standard Remote ID’d aircraft, they must list the serial number of each aircraft when they register.

These rules have been implemented to ensure the continued responsible flight in and protection of shared airspace. Operators and manufacturers have been assured ample time to bring their fleets and aircraft into compliance.

To find more in-depth information on these changes, drone registration, and current regulations visit the FAA’s Remote Pilot website.

About the Author: Greg Pratt

After graduating from high school, Gregory Pratt enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserves where he was trained to be an Air Traffic Controller at the age of 18.  He attended theUniversity of Texas at Arlington where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.  Shortly after college, he earned his Private Pilot’s License.  He was then commissioned as an officer in the Navy and spent six years as a Naval Flight Officer, flying in the S3-B aircraft off of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS George Washington aircraft carriers.  After his time in the Navy, he applied for and was appointed to be an FBI Special Agent.  He attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA and was then assigned to the San Antonio office, where he spent his entire career (22 years from 1998-2019).  While in the FBI, he worked White Collar Crime, Public Corruption, and Counter-Terrorism cases.  His collateral (part-time) duties included surveillance pilot, Evidence Response Team (CSI) member and Team Leader, and Hostage/Crisis Negotiator.  He retired in December of 2019 and started a drone business (DroneStarLLC.com) to combine his loves of aviation and photography. Gregory is also an instructor for DARTdrones.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Remote ID, Drones, And What You Need to Know appeared first on DARTdrones.

Pack up your bird and hit the road, but make sure you know where you’re allowed to fly.

We’re going over the rules and regulations for flying your drones in national parks and preserves

Flying Drones in National Parks:

The Park service released a memo in 2014 that addresses unmanned aircraft use in parks, and directs superintendents “to prohibit the launching, landing, or operation of unmanned aircraft” within park boundaries. This seeks to reduce the risk of harassing wildlife, sUAS accidents, and interrupting the peace and quiet that entices people to visit the national parks in the first place.

While the National Park Service does use drones, the reasons are very specific to search and rescue, wildfire monitoring, academic studies, and aerial documentation.

Drone Usage in National Forests:

On the other hand, the National Forest Service does not prohibit drone use, so long as the drone is not operated in a designated Wilderness Area. The drone pilot must operate in accordance to FAA regulations, in addition to keeping clear of wildlife and populated areas.

The Forest Service does conduct low altitude flights within the National Forest boundaries, so knowing what flights are taking place, and whether there are temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) and NOTAMS is essential for safe drone operation within these boundaries. Check out these Forest Service drone rules for further information.

Flying Drones within Wilderness Areas:

Wilderness Areas are a no-go for drone flight, and any mechanized vehicle for that matter. It’s been that way since 1964. As stated in The Wilderness Act:

“…there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.”

Wilderness Areas can sometimes exist within a National Forest, so be sure to use an app like Kittyhawk , B4UFly, or AirMap to be certain you’re not pushing any boundaries. If you’re operating a DJI drone, your DJI GO 4 app will alert you to any airspace issues as well.

Drones in National Wildlife Refuges:

As stated in the National Wildlife Refuge’s Code of Federal Regulations;

“The unauthorized operation of aircraft, including sail planes, and hang gliders, at altitudes resulting in harassment of wildlife, or the unauthorized landing or take-off on a national wildlife refuge, except in an emergency, is prohibited. National wildlife refuge boundaries are designated on up-date FAA aeronautical charts.”

National Wildlife Refuges are often home or breeding grounds for endangered species that are vulnerable to harassment. While we may not be as affected by noise, these animals are acutely aware and easily frightened by such disturbances.

It is tempting to launch a drone for a quick video or photograph, but be cognizant of the area you’re flying in. Sometimes simply being present for a quiet memory is enough. As drone pilots, we have the opportunity to be ambassadors to the industry, and behaving above reproach boosts our positive image in the public eye.

Remember, there is always alternative beautiful skies to fly!

About the Author

Roger became interested in drone aviation soon after retiring from a 25-year career in the fire service. During his tenure as a firefighter with the Nashua, NH Fire Rescue, he serves as a member of the Hazmat & dive rescue teams. he is a sport pilot and Certified Level 1 Thermographer who enjoys flying weight shift control aircraft. Roger splits his time living in Naples, FL & Wells, ME; he enjoys training public service departments & assisting them with the implementation of UAS into their organizations as well as using drones to film at live events.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Summer Skies: Are National Parks a No-Fly Zone For Your Drone? appeared first on DARTdrones.

Here, you’ll find most of the FAA’s regulations surrounding drone operation in the United States. It’s worth noting that many of these rules apply worldwide as well.

FAA Drone Rules:

400 Foot Maximum Altitude

All civilian drone pilots may fly unmanned craft at or below 400 feet above the ground. Commercial pilots with Part 107 drone certification may account for terrain and structures like tall buildings or radio towers while in flight. However, hobbyists must remain 400 feet or lower above the general landscape at all times. Read more about the 400-foot rule here.

Keep Your Drone Within Sight

FAA drone rules require drone pilots to keep their drones within eyesight at all times while flying outside. An exception to this rule allows a spotter to keep the drone within sight as long as the spotter is within the pilot’s hearing distance.

Register Your Drone

The FAA drone rule governing whether or not drone pilots must register their drones has seesawed throughout the past decade, but it’s a safe bet that if it’s not required when you’re reading this, it will be again in the future. If your drone’s total take-off weight is under 0.55 lbs, you are not required to register the drone if being used for recreational uses only.  If you plan on using your .55 lbs or less drone for commercial purposes, it must be registered regardless of weight.

Avoid Controlled Airspace

FAA drone rules prohibit drone pilots from flying uncrewed aircraft within any controlled airspace. Restricted airspace includes airports, military installations, and certain commercial operations. Downloading an airspace app like SkyGrid, Airmap, or B4UFly can help you avoid prohibited areas. You may also use the apps to request special permission to fly through controlled airspace.

Respect Personal Space

One of the most enforced FAA drone rules prohibits flying drones above people not involved in your flight operation. The FAA considers safety its number one goal, and flying over people may present a safety risk. You may fly over yourself, your spotter, and anyone directly involved in flight operations. All flight crew personnel should know the specific plan for the drone’s flight from take-off to landing. Avoid flying your drone above anyone not in the know.

Do Not Fly Above Or Near Emergency Situations

Stay clear of all emergency areas and situations. Flying a drone near critical situations may interfere with emergency personnel’s ability to respond to the problem effectively. Emergencies to avoid include forest fires, vehicle collisions, medical emergencies, and any other critical situation.

Professional Sporting Events Are Off-Limits For Your Drone

FAA drone rules implement temporary flight restrictions for all air traffic above and around professional sporting events unless the pilot has been granted a special waiver from the FAA. Private drone pilots may apply for a waiver, but the odds are slim for obtaining one.

Do Not Fly Impaired Or While Consuming Controlled Substances

FAA drone rules prohibit drug and alcohol use while operating a drone. Drone pilots must adhere to stricter regulations than licensed drivers operating a vehicle on the road. FAA regulations require drone pilots’ blood alcohol level (BAL) to be under 0.04%.

Commercial pilots operating under a Part 107 license who fly with a BAL above 0.04% will immediately lose their drone certification if caught. As with operating a road vehicle, commercial drone pilots who refuse a breathalyzer are considered above the legal limit and will lose their license immediately.

FAA Drone Rules For Commercial Pilots

Commercial pilots, meaning people who receive any form of compensation from flying a drone, must possess a commercial drone license and adhere to Part 107 FAA drone rules.

Drone pilots who will make any significant amount of money from a flight, including any YouTube revenue, must be Part 107 certified. This rule applies to private parties, independent contractors, and employees providing aerial photography or videography for any company, sole proprietor, or industry employer,

The FAA drone rules are in place to ensure everyone’s safety and privacy during a drone flight. Accidents may happen, but you will most likely enjoy a safe flight and continue to fly your drone hassle-free if you follow these regulations.

To learn more about FAA drone rules or find out how to obtain drone certification, visit DARTdrones.com.

About the Author

Mike is an instrument-rated pilot and a self-described transportation enthusiast and weather geek. As a former light rail instructor for Harris County Metro, Mike trained new operators to safely operate trains on Metro’s new rail extensions in the city of Houston. Mike returned to Austin and discovered Drone photography. Taking his new hobby to the next level by combining his aviation, rail trainer, and industrial sales experience, Mike Joined DARTdrones to share his passion for aviation with student drone pilots to help them become safe, competent and confident drone pilots.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post FAA Drone Rules Explained appeared first on DARTdrones.

The FAA Part 107 Airman Knowledge Test has to be taken at an accredited FAA Testing Center. While this test requires a fair amount of preparation, it is essentially a simplified version of a private pilot ground school test. Since the drone industry has been booming over the last couple of years, many drone training schools and academies have opened their doors welcoming prospective students. However, if you have never taken an FAA Drone License Test, there are things that you need to know before diving into studying.

Let’s take a closer look at some things that might not be immediately obvious when it comes to studying for your drone license test:

1. If you have no background in aviation, taking a course will make understanding new drone concepts much simpler

When you do some basic online research on how to prepare for your drone license exam, you will find a plethora of articles about how to prepare and study for your Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate also known as a drone license test.

With plenty of books, articles, study guides, and even free FAA study guides available online, it’s easy to dismiss a course as an unnecessary expense. However, if you have no knowledge of aviation, you should consider investing time and money in a course. Free materials can be beneficial in your preparation, however, they can also be confusing and hard to digest because of the sheer amount of information and technicalities.

This, however, can’t be said about a course where you can study at your pace, ask questions, and take time to navigate new topics such as FAA regulations, safety protocols, airspace operations and so much more. The rules for the FAA drone license test allow you to retake the test if you fail your first attempt, and you can take a second test at no cost 14 days after the first one. If you failed the second attempt, you would have to pay to take it again.

2. Make sure you understand aeronautical maps

Aeronautical maps or the pilot’s map of the sky can be hard to understand for someone who has never used them before. It might come as a surprise, but as a drone pilot, you also have to read and navigate these maps, as you will be operating in the same airspace as all other air traffic.

Many questions on the test aim to test your knowledge of airspace regulations and ability to read and understand aeronautical maps, so make sure you understand them.

3. Divide your studying sessions by aviation topics

Since the test covers several areas, you should divide all your study sessions by topics to better understand every aspect of flying a drone. For example, one day you could study aeronautical maps, and another day you could focus on FAA regulations of the airspace.

4. Practice before taking your FAA Part 107 Test

Even if you feel like you have mastered the topic and are ready to take your exam, you should slow down and take at least a couple of test runs. Whether you decide to take a course in preparation for your FAA Drone License Test or study on your own, take at least a few tests to help you prep for the actual exam. This could help you to identify potential weaknesses in your knowledge and also get a good idea of what kind of questions you should expect. DARTdrones’ 107 Test Prep Online Preview Course is a great resource to make sure you are familiar with the material on the exam.

5. You are NOT done even after you pass the FAA Drone License Test

After you pass the test, you have to register an account with IACRA. That’s where you have to type in your personal information including your email address and your mailing address. Aside from that, you also need to type in your test ID, a code that you can find on your exam card.

That’s when the system will pair you with the results of your exam and you will need to sign a few documents to finish your license application. After you are done, you will have to wait between 3 to 7 days to get your license in the mail. For further details on how to use IACRA after passing your Part 107 Exam, click here.

6. Getting your license doesn’t exempt you from having to register your drone

Many novice drone pilots assume that getting their FAA drone license is enough to begin flying their drone, and they are wrong on that. Whether you want to fly your drone commercially or just as a hobbyist, you have to register your drone with the FAA. The agency also requires all drones to display their registration number which can be done by placing a sticker on your drone. One thing to note is that there’s only one authorized website for drone registration, and it is the FAA website.

About the Author

Roger became interested in drone aviation soon after retiring from a 25-year career in the fire service. During his tenure as a firefighter with the Nashua, NH Fire Rescue, he serves as a member of the Hazmat & dive rescue teams. he is a sport pilot and Certified Level 1 Thermographer who enjoys flying weight shift control aircraft. Roger splits his time living in Naples, FL & Wells, ME; he enjoys training public service departments & assisting them with the implementation of UAS into their organizations as well as using drones to film at live events.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post Passing the FAA Drone License Test: The 6 Things Nobody Tells You appeared first on DARTdrones.

Who is Considered a Government Entity?

• Police Departments
• Fire Departments
• Local Municipalities
• Publicly Funded Universities
• Public Schools
• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Federal or State Government Agencies

UAS Rules for Government Entities

Government entities interested in launching an UAS must follow all rules under Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) or apply for and be granted a Public Use Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for UAS operations.

Part 107

The FAA published a new set of regulations in June 2016 known as Part 107. This new set of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) were the FAA’s first official rules governing the commercial use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). In addition to outlining the operational limitations of sUAS, Part 107 also provided requirements for the issuance of a commercial Remote Pilot Certificate with a sUAS rating for commercial drone pilots. Part 107 is intended to be the first step towards full integration for the use of drones into the National Airspace System (NAS). Often times, organizations operating drones under Part 107 find that some of the regulations restrict them from performing certain operations. However, many sections of Part 107 do allow requests for waivers. The most common requests for waivers and authorizations are the following:

• Flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
• Flights over people
• Night flights
• Flying in controlled airspace (near airports)

If the government entity foresees these limitations to be a continuous set back to the specific operations that will be performed by the UAS, it can be beneficial to opt for a Public Use COA.

Public Use COA

The Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for Public Aircraft Operations gives a good amount of flexibility to the organization who holds the COA. After the FAA and the applicable Air Traffic Control facilities authorize a COA, the government entity can benefit from the below:

• Operators can routinely fly within applicable regions of controlled airspace within their respective jurisdictions
• Operators can fly under the special provisions named in their COA
• Upon your COA being authorized, the night waiver portion can be included in the operations term of the COA without added documentation
• In the event of certain emergency situations, the UAS may also be authorized to fly over people in support of the mission as long as appropriate safety protocols are in place

A government entity operating under a COA can also “self-certify” its drone operators provided that they develop and obtain FAA approval for a comprehensive, internal training program. The entity would have to accept the liability for the UAS training of pilots and any operations of the aircraft. Although a COA can provide the government users with a great level of flexibility, interested departments must first obtain a Letter of Declaration, usually from their public attorney, and petition the FAA for access to the online COA request portal. Once granted, the department must prepare and submit their request for a COA, which involves an extensive amount of detailed proposed operational information. So, while a COA does provide flexibility, it’s a longer and much more difficult process than obtaining a Part 107 certificate.

Bottom Line

A government entity must follow all UAS rules under the approved COA as written and authorized by the FAA, or only operate under Part 107 regulations and apply for FAA waivers as needed. DARTdrones offers government UAS training, Part 107 test prep, online UAS courses, UAS consulting, and the service of applying for COAs, waivers, and airspace authorizations for organizations. For more information and resources about obtaining a COA or Part 107 certificate, visit www.dartdrones.com or call us at 800-264-3907!

About the Author

Mike Uleski is the Chief Public Safety Flight Instructor at DARTdrones and an active Sergeant with a public safety department in Florida, where he is cross trained as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, and EMT. He has extensive aviation expertise with a degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle, a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine and instrument ratings, and 17 years of experience building and flying remote controlled aircraft. Mike has trained dozens of public safety departments through DARTdrones and actively flies sUAS for his department. DARTdrones was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank in February 2017.

DARTdrones is the nation’s leader in drone training, program development and consultation, offering online and in-person courses in 40+ cities across the United States. DARTdrones takes pride in their comprehensive curriculum, developed by a former US Navy Helicopter pilot, as well as their 40+ flight instructors who are all manned and unmanned aircraft pilots. Visit us online at www.dartdrones.com, call 800-264-3907 or email the DARTdrones Team at info@dartdrones.com to learn more.

The post UAS Rules for Government Entities – Flying Responsibly Under The FAA appeared first on DARTdrones.

Part 107 vs COA

Part 107 – A set of Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs. These are the FAA’s first official rules governing the commercial use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). In addition to outlining the operational limitations of sUAS, Part 107 also provided requirements for the issuance of a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating for commercial drone pilots. Part 107 is also intended to be the first step towards full integration for the use of commercial drones into the National Airspace System (NAS). The full set of regulations has been published in the Federal Aviation Regulations Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR AIM). A Part 107 Operator’s Certificate, or “drone license” allows a person to get paid for flying a drone. The purpose of the drone license is to ensure that a commercial drone pilot is familiar with and safely abides by the established drone rules of the sky.

COA – The Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for Public Aircraft Operations gives a good amount of flexibility to the organization who holds the COA. This certificate is a good option for qualifying governmental and nonprofit organizations, including the below:

• Local Municipalities
• Fire Departments
• Police Departments
• Public Schools

Although a COA can provide an organization with flexibility, the interested organization has to first request a COA from the FAA and then submit a series of information. So, while a COA does provide flexibility, it’s a longer and more difficult process than Part 107.

Do I Need a Part 107 Certificate With a COA?

The quick answer is that it’s not currently a requirement that sUAS pilots flying a drone for a public agency with a COA have to also possess a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. However, it is absolutely becoming more common. Here are the 2 reasons why:

1. Every COA request requires that the requesting agency describe their planned UAS training protocols. This can be a very complex procedure to both develop and implement internally and it has been the reason that the FAA has denied many COA requests in the past if the information provided was insufficient. Because the release of Part 107 provided an FAA created and sanctioned method for “certifying” that an individual possessed the knowledge necessary to operate a sUAS for commercial or official purposes, it is now being used as a “boiler plate” method to fulfill that requirement on COA requests, provided the planned flight operations will utilize aircraft that the FAA designates as “small” unmanned aircraft systems.
2. The FAA has informally indicated that they do not intend to renew sUAS Exemptions and COAs indefinitely, and that ultimately Part 107 and other Federal Aviation Regulations will become the permanent rules for all types of official drone operations. As a result, they tend to look favorably on COA requests that indicate a knowledge of Part 107 regulations and intends to utilize sUAS pilots that possess the aeronautical knowledge necessary to safely operate their drones within the National Airspace System (NAS).

The Bottom Line

It is unclear if the FAA will one day require a Part 107 certification for public agencies that possess a COA. However, having Part 107 training and certification when applying for a COA will definitely help show the FAA that your agency is knowledgeable on sUAS rules and regulations. If you or your agency is interested in obtaining a Part 107 certificate, online drone classes, or flight training, visit www.dartdrones.com or call us at 800-264-3907!

The post Do I Need a Part 107 Certificate If My Public Agency Has a COA? appeared first on DARTdrones.

The FAA keeps a public database of all of the waivers approved from January 2016 to present day.  The list contains 1,085 entries and may seem confusing, but we went through the data and made it easier to understand.  Some recipients were approved for multiple waivers, thus, the data in the charts below will be greater than the listed entries.

The FAA approved a total of 299 Part 107 drone waivers in 2016. As of July 2017, the number of approved waivers has almost tripled to 822. This means that the FAA is approving an average of 117 waivers per month. If this pace continues, it is estimated that the FAA will produce more than 1,400 waivers during 2017. This is an amazing 1,100 more than the previous year.

FAA Regulations

Under the FAA Part 107 Operating Rules, there are 23 regulations that drone pilots must abide by unless they have the proper waiver. Here are the most common waivable rules:

107.29 Daylight Operations

• This rule states that no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft during the night.
• In order to fly a drone past civil twilight, a pilot will need to obtain a night waiver from the FAA.

107.41 Operation in Certain Airspace

• This rule states that no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC), via the FAA.
• In order fly a drone in these certain air spaces, a pilot will need to obtain a FAA waiver or an authorization from ATC.
• However, the FAA recently announced that 50 airports are expected to offer automated authorization by the end of the year. This means that pilots will be able to use a phone/tablet application to receive an instant FAA waiver to fly in certain areas of controlled airspace.

107.35 Operation of Multiple Small Aircraft

• This rule states that a person may not operate or act as a remote pilot in command or visual observer in the operation of more than one unmanned aircraft at the same time.
• In order to fly multiple drones, a pilot will need to obtain a waiver from the FAA.

Other Obtainable Drone Waivers

107.31 Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operations

107.39 Operating Over Human Beings

107.33 Visual Observer

107.51 Operating Limitations for Small Unmanned Aircraft

107.25 Operation from a Moving Vehicle or Aircraft

Approved FAA Waivers

In 2016, the FAA approved a total of 299 Part 107 drone waivers. The most demanded, denied and approved FAA waiver was 107.29 Daylight Operations. Whether for business or recreation, it seemed that many licensed pilots wanted authorization to operate their drone at night. This Operating Rule accounted for 81% of all approved FAA waivers in 2016.

This year, the demand to fly at night has increased. About 87% of all approved drone waivers have been for rule 107.29. Night operation waivers are by far the most requested waivers to date, but, the FAA is also denying waivers at a faster rate. According to an article by Drone360, about 63% of denied applications included a request to operate at night. So, just because the FAA is approving more applications does not guarantee your request will be approved.

Operating in certain airspaces will become much easier with the FAA’s plan to offer instant waivers, but other rules like 107.39 Operating Over Human Beings may still be difficult to obtain.

The FAA’s main concern with unmanned aircraft is the safety of both the person operating the drone and the people in the vicinity of the drone. The FAA has only approved four of these waivers. Cable News Network (CNN) has been approved for two 107.39 waivers. CNN was the first to receive a waiver for operations over people in 2016. It was also the first ever to receive a 107.39 FAA waiver for drone operations over people on a closed set. The company to receive the other two waivers for operations over people was FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems, a thermal imaging company that manufactures camera systems for commercial drones. In order to gain approval, both companies had to equip their unmanned aircraft with advanced command and control equipment not typically available to individual drone entrepreneurs.

Gaining Approval

Applying for a Part 107 waiver may seem like a daunting task. Many FAA waivers are hard to obtain and, even if approved, could take up to 90 days to receive so it is important to work smoothly. But the good news is that the FAA seems to be moving forward in a positive direction.

In order to get approval from the FAA, you need to make sure you clearly state your objectives with the drone. The FAA data shows that 4.8% of waiver applicants are denied because of “insufficient safety cases,” and 95.2% are denied due to “incomplete information.”

It is also important to apply for only the waivers you need. The more complicated and demanding the waiver request – the longer it will take for the FAA to respond. You will need to identify possible hazards and risks and list them on your request. The FAA will deny any waiver request without hazard identification and risk mitigation strategies. The FAA also advises that you respond promptly when asked for any additional information. Failure to respond within 30 days will cause your request to be withdrawn.

Drone pilots seem to have a lot of questions about drone waivers. This is a good thing. It is extremely important that you understand the Part 107 rules and fly your aircraft safely and in coordination with FAA regulations. Failing to do so can result in legal penalties and loss of your operating license. We see many times that drone journalists find themselves in trouble with the FAA due to lack of approved drone waivers. Our new drone journalism workshop is designed to help drone journalists successfully obtain waivers and fly safely.

Learn More

We are here to help! Our expert instructors care about providing the most up-to-date training.  We offer Part 107 test prep and drone flight training programs for people of all skill levels. Our UAV beginner courses are great for anyone who is new to the industry and looking to get started. We also offer 4 industry specific drone workshops for the more experienced pilot or anyone looking to learn a specific sUAS trade. Check out www.dartdrones.com or call 800.264.3907 to learn more information.

The post Drone Waivers Approved By The Federal Aviation Administration appeared first on DARTdrones.

What is Part 107?

In August 2016, the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) launched a new set of regulations known as Part 107. This new set of Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, were the FAA’s first official rules governing the commercial use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). In addition to outlining the operational limitations of sUAS, Part 107 also provided requirements for the issuance of a Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating for commercial drone pilots. Part 107 is also intended to be the first step towards full integration for the use of drones into the National Airspace System (NAS). The full set of regulations has been published in the Federal Aviation Regulations Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR AIM).

A Part 107 Operator’s Certificate, or “drone license” allows a person to get paid for flying a drone. The purpose of the drone license is to ensure that a commercial drone pilot is familiar with and safely abides by the established drone rules of the sky.

What is a COA?

The Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for Public Aircraft Operations gives a good amount of flexibility to the organization who holds the COA. This certificate is an excellent option for qualifying governmental and nonprofit organizations, including the below:

• Local Municipalities
• Fire Departments
• Police Departments
• Public Schools

Although a COA can provide an organization with a tremendous level of flexibility, the interested organization has to first request a COA from the FAA and then submit a series of information. So, while a COA does provide flexibility, it’s a longer and more difficult process than Part 107.

Part 107 vs COA – Which is right for my drone program?

Some organizations operating their drone program under Part 107 find that many of the regulations restrict them from performing certain tasks; however, many sections of part 107 do allow for waivers if the operator is able to provide a safety plan to diminish risk. Most commonly, operators are requesting Part 107 waivers and authorizations for:

• Flight at night
• Flying over people
• Flight beyond visual line of sight
• Flying multiple sUAS at the same time
• Flight at altitudes above 400 ft. Above Ground Level (AGL)
• Flying in regions of controlled airspace

If you think your government entity would have to request a lot of the above waivers, or much of your intended flight area is located within regions of controlled airspace, it might be beneficial to go the COA route. After the FAA and the applicable Air Traffic Control facilities authorize a COA, the government entity can benefit from the below:

• Operators can routinely fly within applicable regions of controlled airspace
• Operators can fly under the special provisions named in their COA
• Upon your COA being authorized, the night waiver portion is automatically added to the COA without added documentation
• In the event of a life safety incident, the UAS may be flown over people in support of the life safety mission so long as it is with due care

Although this process is known to be longer and more complicated than Part 107 Certification, it has actually been made much easier and the process has been streamlined to allow agencies the ability to use UAS in their operations. Many agencies are now getting the 107 to start with and begin operations, then adding the COA afterwards. The FAA has been making some significant changes that are advantageous to the COA route and making strides to streamline the process.

How to Choose Part 107 vs COA

Both Part 107 and a COA have advantages and disadvantages. Again, every drone program is unique – what works for one might not work for another. The entity must either follow their approved COA as written and approved, or only operate under part 107 regulations and apply for waivers as needed for their operation. When you ask yourself “Part 107 vs COA”, consider how your organization plans to operate the UAV and how the advantages/disadvantages of both will affect the overall goal of your program. Once that information is in place, it will dictate which route you choose.

DARTdrones is here to help! Whether you need Part 107 Test Prep, In-Person Flight Training, or Drone Consultation Services to ensure your flight operations are properly organized and run smoothly, our expert team of sUAS professionals are ready to help launch your organizations drone program. Check out www.dartdrones.com or call 800.264.3907 to learn more information.

The post Part 107 vs COA – Which is better for your drone program? appeared first on DARTdrones.

Drone journalists can not simply buy a drone and fly it – they must know the laws put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other federal, state, and local authorities. It’s very important to get the right drone training to feel comfortable and knowledge when flying your drone for commercial purposes.

3 Rules Drone Journalists Need to Know

1. Part 107 – Any pilot flying for commercial use (flying for money) must pass the FAA Part 107 Exam. The FAA requires all potential pilots to be at least 16 years old, be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language, pass the Part 107 Knowledge Exam, submit to a TSA background check prior to the issuance of their Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate with a sUAS rating, and finally register their aircraft. This exam goes over all necessary topics to safely and successfully fly for commercial use. Some main topics are weather, mapping, FAA regulations, and how to identify the various “Classes” of our National Airspace System.

2. Flying Over Crowds – Although Part 107 makes it easier to fly drones commercially, there are a lot of constraints that still exist for commercial flyers. Operating your drone over crowds is not legal under FAA Part 107. This is very important for drone journalists to know since many top news stories might be in a crowd of people. Some news outlets request waivers (also commonly referred to as COA’s) from the FAA in order to fly over members of the general public.

3. Night Waivers – Another constraint under Part 107 is flying your drone at night. When it comes to nighttime operations, the most important thing is safety. Flying at night can dramatically reduce the distance that a pilot is able see their drone, so the use of additional flight crew members, often referred to as Visual Observers, will be necessary. For drone journalists, it might be crucial to fly at night in order to capture news stories. If this is the case, the pilot can apply for a night waiver through the FAA if they are able to adopt certain safety protocols during their evening flights.

For more information on Part 107 Prep Course and drone training visit us at www.dartdrones.com or call us at 800-264-3907.

Keep an eye out for DARTdrones’ Broadcasting Workshop – a perfect course for drone journalists (coming out mid-July)!

The post 3 Rules Drone Journalists Need to Know Before Flying appeared first on DARTdrones.