Page 17 - Volume 20 No. 6

ty For Aviation
specific training programs such as UAV Boot Camp or Unmanned Safety Institute. But what’s available for the drone operators if they want more? I, along with many underwriters, recommend that a drone operator take an FAA ground school or even work towards their pilot’s license. I gave a webinar for the EAA a few weeks ago and was informed by a powered-parachute CFI that you can get your sport-pilot powered parachute license with something like 12 hours of training. While it might not seem like much, I believe that any training and any sort of pilot rating is not only a plus for the drone operator but also a plus for the aviation community.
Applying For Commercial Operation
My son and I decided that we should know about the process for getting
our drone approved for commercial use. We wanted to experience what our customers go through. We started the process of filing for the exemption and discovered what a nightmare it was. The FAA required we submit an explanation of what we will do with the drone, how we will do it and what FAR’s we wanted to be exempted from. If you weren’t a pilot, you would sure know a lot of the regulations by the time you were done creating your request. No, it is not a pilot course and it won’t make you an expert, but sure it can’t hurt. Not only did we learn a few new things, but we also became an FAA- qualified commercial drone operator!
These commercial requirements are destined to change, but probably not for another year or so. I think, before they change the rules, the
by Scott Smith
flying public has the opportunity to
recognize the drone community and offer some guidance and help. In my mind, it would be better for me (a pilot) to help a drone operator that is not a pilot.
Thinking out loud here, many of the people that file for this 333 Exemption are not pilots. But, to operate officially, they need a pilot to fly the drone...hmmm...I’m thinking part-time job. If you know of a drone operator, maybe you can offer your pilot services and help keep the operator within the boundaries of the FAA requirement.
Another important rule states that a drone shouldn’t fly higher than 400 feet; it has happened and it will happen. It also says that drones shouldn’t fly within five miles of an airport without telling the airport,
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