Sec 333 Exemption at DVinfo.net

Mike Watson · July 23rd, 2015, 05:43 PM

Has anyone here applied for a Section 333 Exemption, and can you discuss the process? It seems they are posting the approved applications (800+ of them) on the website now, so you more or less have a template to work from.

I'm considering doing it, just wondering how the process has been for anyone who's done it firsthand.

Bruce Dempsey · July 24th, 2015, 05:37 AM

Hi Mike I can't help you unfortunately. Living in canada the rulz are different.
I've just bought insurance and have a phantom3 which is under 5 pounds and don't plan on shooting in areas prohibited by Transport Canada so my exemption is automatic and does not require special documentation.

Greg Boston · July 24th, 2015, 07:06 AM

I know someone did a video on it. I'll look around to see if I can find it. Keep in mind though, the restrictions on the COA are such that I doubt most are really able to comply and still get any work done. Depends on your application of course. The 500 ft away from people, structures, and vessels which is a good rule for full size aircraft, doesn't translate well to sUAS aircraft but that's the FAR the they have to work with.

As a result, and this is strictly for your own risk appetite, many are choosing to work commercially without the exemption while making sure they don't fly carelessly or wrecklessly which will put them in the FAA crosshairs for prosecution.

Many clients though have now heard about, and are requiring the 333 exemption before they will hire you.

It's currently a legal gray area as several prominent aviation attorneys do not agree that any current FAR's apply.

I really hope the NPRM gets codified into Part 107 pretty soon so that we can get rid of all this amibiguity and let commercial operators get on with making a living.

Mike Watson · July 24th, 2015, 09:14 AM

Greg, I lost a gig the other day because I didn't have it. This was, ironically, inside the Disneyland TFR zone, so it'd be against the rules anyway - in fact I wasn't sure my DJI would take off inside that zone or if that TFR was hardwired in the software.

When I looked into it, it's pages and pages of application, but they're posting the full text of everyone else's application, so it seems to be a matter of copy and paste.

Chuck Spaulding · July 24th, 2015, 06:14 PM

So you have to kind of have to ask the question, what's the point? That's exactly what some people are doing and for the manual they're just providing a link to DJI's documentation.

Tim Ribich · July 29th, 2015, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Watson

Has anyone here applied for a Section 333 Exemption, and can you discuss the process? It seems they are posting the approved applications (800+ of them) on the website now, so you more or less have a template to work from.

I'm considering doing it, just wondering how the process has been for anyone who's done it firsthand.

If you haven't already been there, the FAA's site has detailed information on filing for an exemption:
Guidelines for Submitting a Petition for Exemption

You need a minimum of a sport pilot's license which is a limiting factor for many.

Greg Boston · July 29th, 2015, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Watson

Greg, I lost a gig the other day because I didn't have it. This was, ironically, inside the Disneyland TFR zone, so it'd be against the rules anyway - in fact I wasn't sure my DJI would take off inside that zone or if that TFR was hardwired in the software.

When I looked into it, it's pages and pages of application, but they're posting the full text of everyone else's application, so it seems to be a matter of copy and paste.

I understand, Mike. Many clients are now aware of the 333 exemption, even if they don't know what it really is, they just know that anyone they hire 'should' have the 333.

Best of luck to you on whichever route you choose to take for commercial work. Just fly safely and sensibly. I've been given to understand that the FAA is using their limited resources to pursue operators who are doing things that have a medium or high level of risk to people, property, or vessels. I think that's a good use of those resources.

-gb-

July 23rd, 2015, 05:43 PM	#1
Mike Watson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,082	Sec 333 Exemption Has anyone here applied for a Section 333 Exemption, and can you discuss the process? It seems they are posting the approved applications (800+ of them) on the website now, so you more or less have a template to work from. I'm considering doing it, just wondering how the process has been for anyone who's done it firsthand.

July 24th, 2015, 05:37 AM	#2
Bruce Dempsey Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Atlantic Coast Canada Posts: 599	Re: Sec 333 Exemption Hi Mike I can't help you unfortunately. Living in canada the rulz are different. I've just bought insurance and have a phantom3 which is under 5 pounds and don't plan on shooting in areas prohibited by Transport Canada so my exemption is automatic and does not require special documentation.

July 24th, 2015, 07:06 AM	#3
Greg Boston Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DFW area, TX Posts: 6,117 Images: 1	Re: Sec 333 Exemption I know someone did a video on it. I'll look around to see if I can find it. Keep in mind though, the restrictions on the COA are such that I doubt most are really able to comply and still get any work done. Depends on your application of course. The 500 ft away from people, structures, and vessels which is a good rule for full size aircraft, doesn't translate well to sUAS aircraft but that's the FAR the they have to work with. As a result, and this is strictly for your own risk appetite, many are choosing to work commercially without the exemption while making sure they don't fly carelessly or wrecklessly which will put them in the FAA crosshairs for prosecution. Many clients though have now heard about, and are requiring the 333 exemption before they will hire you. It's currently a legal gray area as several prominent aviation attorneys do not agree that any current FAR's apply. I really hope the NPRM gets codified into Part 107 pretty soon so that we can get rid of all this amibiguity and let commercial operators get on with making a living.

July 24th, 2015, 09:14 AM	#4
Mike Watson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,082	Re: Sec 333 Exemption Greg, I lost a gig the other day because I didn't have it. This was, ironically, inside the Disneyland TFR zone, so it'd be against the rules anyway - in fact I wasn't sure my DJI would take off inside that zone or if that TFR was hardwired in the software. When I looked into it, it's pages and pages of application, but they're posting the full text of everyone else's application, so it seems to be a matter of copy and paste.

July 24th, 2015, 06:14 PM	#5
Chuck Spaulding Trustee Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Thousand Oaks Posts: 1,104	Re: Sec 333 Exemption So you have to kind of have to ask the question, what's the point? That's exactly what some people are doing and for the manual they're just providing a link to DJI's documentation.