Let's hope the long wait is over...

[Greg Boston]

The FAA will be holding a press conference at 1PM EDT today (6-21-16), presumably to announce the final rule for Part 107 of the FAR's. This is the section that will finally codify regulations and requirements for commercial use of sUAS in the US.

Here is a rundown from Drone Law Journal...

Drone Law Journal | Leaked: Latest Summary of Part 107

UPDATE: The press conference is now scheduled for 10 AM EDT.

[Greg Boston]

And here is the full 600+ pages of the final rule for Part 107. Should be in effect in around 60 days from now.

http://www.faa.gov/uas/media/RIN_212...ean_Signed.pdf

[Robert Benda]

To get certification (Page 383) shows you take test (initial aeronautical knowledge exam). IF you pass, next is the TSA clearing you. Then you get a temporary license, good for 120 days, while waiting for the final FAA licensing.

NO flight profiency or experience requirements. NO flight training or course is required.

[Barry Goyette]

FAA has a page outlining the process, and describing the "initial aeronautical knowledge" test criteria.

Becoming a Pilot

Sounds very reasonable..

Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test – initial knowledge test areas include:
Applicable regulations relating to small unmanned aircraft system rating privileges, limitations, and flight operation
Airspace classification and operating requirements, and flight restrictions affecting small unmanned aircraft operation
Aviation weather sources and effects of weather on small unmanned aircraft performance
Small unmanned aircraft loading and performance
Emergency procedures
Crew resource management
Radio communication procedures
Determining the performance of small unmanned aircraft
Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol
Aeronautical decision-making and judgment
Airport operations
Maintenance and preflight inspection procedures

[Greg Boston]

Very reasonable and not a huge cost burden. The testing will cost $150. I don't know if that price is set by FAA, or if the designated testing facilities can set their own price. However, $150 is what the document above showed as the cost analysis.

The testing won't be available until August when the rules go into effect, so you have some time to study while waiting.

Also of note, if you are a licensed airman with a current BFR, you can take an online version which will only deal with specifics of sUAS operations as it's assumed that you already have knowledge of airspace types and operating requirements, weather, weight and balance, etc. That's also very reasonable.

-gb-

[Mike Watson]

What am I supposed to be studying?

[Mike Watson]

Is the answer so painfully clear that nobody answered, or does no one else know either?

[Barry Goyette]

Taking a look at the list of topics in the link I posted, to me this sounds a lot like a written drivers license test. Depending on how the FAA want to play this, it could be as simple as reading a 100 page "Drone Pilot's Handbook" with a test at an approved facility. Or it could mean a half day course that walks you through said handbook, followed by the test.

It really sounds like a basic safety test and I can't imagine anyone would need months to study for it.

But no....you're right...at this point, nobody knows.

[Mike Watson]

Also, I'm curious to hear interpretations of not flying over people "not directly involved in the operation". I shoot a lot of marathons and half marathons. I'm employed by the race organizer. If there are 10,000 people running, are they involved in the operation? If there are another 20,000 spectators, are they directly involved?

[Greg Boston]

I have already taken the Part 107 online test. Easy to pass. For Part 61 pilots who are current, this is all you need to do for now. In 60 days, when the RPC with sUAS rating application form becomes available, that's all the testing you will need.

The online test is also good practice for those who are not current or are not licensed pilots. Those individuals will need to go to a testing center to take the extended test which will cover airspace types, chart reading, etc.

There is no charge for taking the online test.

-gb-

[Robert Benda]

Originally Posted by Mike Watson

Also, I'm curious to hear interpretations of not flying over people "not directly involved in the operation". I shoot a lot of marathons and half marathons. I'm employed by the race organizer. If there are 10,000 people running, are they involved in the operation? If there are another 20,000 spectators, are they directly involved?

I know its dangerous to speculate but...

almost certainly not OK. At least, not flying directly overhead.

Here, the danger would be that the crowds (both running and not) aren't paying attention to or possibly even not aware of your drone, which I'm sure would be the standard. By flying directly over them, they're at risk.

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Robert Benda

I know its dangerous to speculate but...

almost certainly not OK. At least, not flying directly overhead.

Here, the danger would be that the crowds (both running and not) aren't paying attention to or possibly even not aware of your drone, which I'm sure would be the standard. By flying directly over them, they're at risk.

Safety issues, notwithstanding, I think it makes for a poor shot composition to shoot straight down on most types of subjects. Being off to the side and tracking along would be much better... and safer for all involved.

-gb-

[Mike Watson]

Originally Posted by Robert Benda

I know its dangerous to speculate but...

almost certainly not OK. At least, not flying directly overhead.

Here, the danger would be that the crowds (both running and not) aren't paying attention to or possibly even not aware of your drone, which I'm sure would be the standard. By flying directly over them, they're at risk.

I get what you're saying and I don't necessarily disagree. I used that example because it's huge. The opposite example would be if a single runner hired me to shoot video of him - flying over him would obviously be ok, as he's "directly involved" with the production. The grey area, everything in between, is more where I wonder what "directly involved" is. The runner and his family, again probably obviously ok. I shoot corporate video - so flying over 5 guys working in a yard, again, probably ok. What about 100 people at a company picnic? Directly involved seems to wane. Similarly with flying directly over people who are uninvolved. What's "over"? Like if I lost power it would hit them? Is 3 feet OK? 30 feet?

As Greg mentions, it's never these angles that I'm taking shots from... If I'm doing aerial ops, I'm off to the side and (usually) moving. But to get there... gotta fly over people.

[Dave Allen]

So it is not allowed to fly a small 5lb radio control model airplane over people because if they get cut, its unsafe, but it is ok and safe to fly a 3000 lb jet engine powered helicopter with high speed whirling blades of death?

Yes, this makes total sense.

[Mike Watson]

If you follow the same maintenance procedures as a $1M helicopter, file for an FAA exemption. Fly wherever you want. If you're buying a DJI drone that uses $18 motors... don't hover over people.