In June 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) finalized its Small Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Rule at 14 CFR Part 107 regulating the operation of small UA that do not meet the definition of remote-control model aircraft. These aircraft, colloquially called “drones,” are used for both business and recreational purposes.
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The rule will affect many drone operators whose UA are used to enhance worker safety. Whether your drones are strictly business or all fun and games, here’s what you need to know about the new rule.
Registration Requirements
The new rule, which becomes effective on August 29, 2016, requires registration for both the aircraft and the pilot.
Registering a UA. All UA weighing more than 0.55 pounds that will be operated within the territorial United States must be registered with the FAA prior to operation. Drones cannot weigh more than 55 pounds, including any equipment or payload they are carrying. Online registration for UA is available at http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/UA/.
Registering a pilot. Pilots must be at least 16 years old, hold a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate, and be vetted by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). You can find out more about obtaining a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate at http://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/fly_for_work_business/becoming_a_pilot/.
Location Rules
Drones can operate freely only in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace more than 5 miles from airports. Drones can operate within Class B, C, D, and E airspace only if prior authorization is received from air traffic control.
Operational Limitations
The FAA repeatedly notes that anyone who needs to operate UA outside these restrictions, including the airspace restriction, can apply for a waiver. Without a waiver, though, your UA is subject to these operational limitations:
- Line-of-sight operation. The UA must remain within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls or of a qualified visual observer. Binoculars don’t count as VLOS; only regular corrective eyewear.
- 400-foot ceiling. Drones must not fly higher than 400 feet (ft) above ground level, unless they will remain within 400 ft of a structure—an exception that will allow for the use of drones to inspect communication towers and oil and gas flare stack heads, among other applications, without a waiver.
- 100 miles per hour (mph) speed limit. The maximum groundspeed allowed for drones is 100 mph (87 knots).
- Yield the right-of-way. Drones must yield the right-of-way to all manned aircraft.
- Daylight flight only. Drones may only operate during daylight hours or during civil twilight (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) with appropriate anticollision lighting.
- Not over people. Drones may not be operated over any people who are not directly participating in the operation. They also may not be operated under a covered structure or inside a covered stationary vehicle.
Need more information on regulations outside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that can affect workplace safety? Safety.BLR.com® offers broad coverage.