Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), aka Drones, are taking off! No pun intended…ok, pun intended! They’re becoming more affordable and accessible by the day it seems. This access to technology is incredible for many different reasons: It’s creating new jobs in various industries. Those industries include Architecture, Land Survey, Construction and even Search & Rescue operations. This is just the beginning.

A top down view of the Rivertown dock in St. Johns Florida after a thunderstorm.

In June 2016, the FAA released the new Part 107 rules for drones. The “new” rules (replacing the old section 333 exemption) are for non-hobbyist of sUAS operations looking to make an extra buck. Part 107 gives just about everyone the ability to make money with their drone(s). Without the Remote Pilot license, one cannot use their sUAS for profit, in any way. This includes doing commercial work for “free”. The FAA is busting rule breakers left and right with hefty fines.

To get the license, you must pass the FAA Part 107 test at a local testing center. Most towered airports offer the test. You can study for the test via study materials provided on the FAA website, but it’s better, in my opinion, to take an online course. Online courses will often go into greater detail and hammer home the most important aspects of being a responsible Remote Pilot. Once you pass the test (70% minimum) you’ll be issued a nice shiny card a few weeks later. By being a “card holder”, you can now use your sUAS for profit!

However, if you find yourself needing to perform a job within controlled airspace (generally within 5 miles of an airport), you must get permission via an Authorization or a Waiver from the FAA. Those can take weeks. I’ll dive into the specifics of getting approval to fly within controlled airspace, what is controlled airspace and the future of FAA approvals in the next blog!

Drone resources:

FAA Part 107 https://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=20516

FAA Part 107 test prep https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_work_business/becoming_a_pilot/

UAS School https://www.uavgroundschool.com/

Drone Careers https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/17/3-ways-you-can-turn-flying-drones-into-a-money-making-job.html