From UAVDirect .. open letter to subscribers about legislation status,
Hi UAV'ers!
NEW FAA RULES - STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
As many of you have likely heard, Friday we received early word that FAA was releasing new rules for small UAS platforms and commercial applications. Like us, I'm sure you're happy to see some progress. Going beyond the morning news and saving you time from reading the whole release, here are the important details that you need to know as compiled by Technology Manager Eric Davis:
Small Aircraft:
“Micro UAS” are going to probably see a slightly different set of rules than their larger counterparts. This is important to know because most of us right now aren’t flying the Spreading Wings S900, but rather smaller (under 4.4 pound) systems like the Phantom 2 Vision Plus. Public comment on this section of the proposed rules will be commencing soon, but it means that the potential for hobbyist and commercial activity for entry to intermediate level aircraft to be more simplified than some of the other proposals listed below. Special provisions still come with operating limitations that will encompass unmanned flight as a whole, however. We must remember that safety must be guaranteed for manned aviation, and for persons and property below the sky.
Large Aircraft and Commercial Activities:
Unmanned vehicles that are larger than the DJI Phantom (over 4.5 pounds) like the Inspire 1, are going more than likely going to see a slight difference in regulation than their smaller counterparts. Commercial activity utilizing these amazing aerial tools puts aircraft such as these into the public airspace, meaning that additional safety considerations must be met in order to preserve the safety of our National Airspace, and to those on the ground. Let’s take a look at what’s forthcoming for industry:
- Drones must be under 55 pounds
- Flights will only be permitted during the day, between sunrise and sunset
- The operator of the aircraft must always maintain line-of-sight during flight operations.
- Though you may have “spotters”, the primary operator must always have his or her eyes on the aircraft
- The aircraft must be registered with the FAA and have identifying markings
- Operators must be at least 17 years old and pass an aeronautical knowledge assessment
- Operators must have an Operator Certificate and pass a TSA background Check
- If there is an accident with the aircraft, the operator must notify the FAA within 10 days
- Manned Aviation has right-of-way… always. Avoid other aircraft at all cost and maneuver away from aircraft that are in the area.
- If your aircraft poses any hazards to manned aviation or to persons or property, you must discontinue the flight.
- Pre-Flight checks like weather assessment, airspace restrictions, and vehicle maintenance must be performed before each flight
- No flights will be permitted over people, unless they are involved with the flight. This rule especially encompasses larger aircraft, but is one of the topics up for consideration for smaller (under 4.4 pound) aircraft.
- Line-of-sight directly between the operator and the aircraft is to be maintained at all times during operation.
- No flight speeds in excess of 100mph
- No flights are permitted within flight paths, near airports, or in areas under Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).
Summary:
It seems that not much is going to change pending these proposed rules are going to be close to the final word. We’ve already known not to fly above 400ft, maintain line-of-sight, and stay away from airports and manned aviation. Those guidelines aren’t going away, and only a few other points are currently on the table for discussion.
Links:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregorymcneal/2015/02/15/a-brief-summary-of-the-faas-new-drone-regulations/
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/media/021515_sUAS_Summary.pdf
