151 Part 107: Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The DOT and FAA released the rule that finalizes the February 2015 NPRM titled Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. That NPRM proposed operating and certification requirements for sUAS to operate for non-hobby and non-recreational purposes. To this point, those operations were allowed via Section 333 exemptions, COAs, and special airworthiness certificates. This rule now takes over and adds a new part 107 to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).Press Release – DOT and FAA Finalize Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft SystemsOperation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems [PDF]In this episode, we provide a summary of the major provisions of Part 107, including:Operational Limitations“Remote Pilot in Command” certification and responsibilitiesInitial and recurrent aeronautical knowledge testsSee-and-avoid and visibility requirementsThe “Visual Observer”Aircraft RequirementsModel AircraftTransporting Property for CompensationInternational Operations and Foreign-Owned AircraftPublic Aircraft OperationsMoored Balloons, Kites, Amateur Rockets, and Unmanned Free BalloonsMicro UASThe preflight briefingFlight termination systemExternal load and dropping objectsRequirement for English language proficiencyIn other news:Unanimous “Not Guilty” Verdict in Los Angeles’ First Criminal Drone Use TrialArvel Chappell III challenged the constitutionality of the charges brought against him by the City of Los Angeles. Chappell claimed the municipal anti-drone ordinance is preempted by federal law. The jury unanimously agreed.The FAA and DOT Just Released the Small UAS Rule: Will Your Company be Ready?Part 107 webinar for Monday, June 27, 2016. Topics covered will include:Differences between the Final Rule and what the FAA initially proposed in the NPRM;Timeframe for implementation of the new rule;Implications for Section 333 Exemption / COA Holders;Operator certification/pilot certificate requirements;Flights near and over people;ATC approvals to operate in certain classes of airspace;Visual line-of-sight requirements;Vehicle design and airworthiness certification;  Part 107 exemption process; andUpcoming FAA rulemaking and next steps moving forward.