Pilot License for UAS

Supposedly when they release the final rules (2017?) this will be relaxed to some kind of UAV certification. You still have to know enough to be able to comply with all the FAA regs and guidelines, file flight plans, etc. To obtain this certification you'll probably need a physical, a certain amount of school/training, and to pass their examination(s).

I was speaking recently to a consultant who works with the local university on their Trimble UX5 - apparently they have to file pretty detailed monthly reports on their activities with the FAA, even if they don't fly that month. I observed several flights and assisted with the flight log on one of them, it was very comprehensive.

I would expect that there would be less regulation on a rotary craft flying below 200' AGL, but I haven't looked into that as much.

The good news:
The proposed small UAS regulations went from the FAA to OMB last week; the FAA official who oversees the UAS regulation program believes that they will be in effect around June of next year. There will be an aeronautical knowledge requirement that will something below the current pilots license threshold, perhaps an online skills test.

The bad news:
What you can do legally and what you can do and still be covered by insurance are two different matters entirely. Currently 99.9% of business and professional liability coverage excludes aircraft related coverage (and UAS systems are statutorily defined as aircraft, thus the FAA involvement). There are only a limited number of insurers in this market and the ones I've heard speak on the issue feel that what the FAA is proposing for a knowledge threshold for legal usage is below what they will require to insure you - especially a few years down the road when extended/beyond line of site operations are allowed. If I was looking to fly a UAS system commercially once the new regulations take effect, I'd still be looking to hire some retired guy with a pilots license part time to fly the thing.

I watched a friend literally fry a new top of the line quad copter.

He managed to plug the battery connector in upside down (it was darkish).

Smoke came out of every crevice. Seemed like a very careless design with both the connector and the lack of a fusible link.

I agree that a full pilot's license should not be necessary. As part of getting a license one does "ground school" and flight training. I think they need a special type of license for drones that is entirely ground school. And maybe have a special class for pilots that are already licensed to get them familiar with drone operations and regulations.

In case anyone is interested, here is what looks like a good online class:

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog892/node/508&apos ;">PSU GEOG892

And a relaxed (or none) medical required. Sometimes the hardest part of dealing with the FAA is medical certification. I have to get an FAA medical exam each year and a letter from my regular doctor, etc because of a past problem that no longer exists. I understand the need for it (as evidenced by a commercial pilot who died in flight last week), especially for single pilot operations, but they go overboard sometimes.

Operator requirement start on page 96

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/recently_published/media/2120-AJ60_NPRM_2-15-2015_joint_signature.pdf

From some research that my employer has done, since the powers that be were looking into adding a drone to our equipment, you will need a sport pilots license that apparently can be gotten through a couple days classes and test. It didn't sound too difficult.

That sounds like a recreational pilot's license - what the ultralight pilots are required to have.
Makes sense - if you're flying around in a little cage with a big prop, you want to know about restricted airspace, minimum/maximum altitudes, communication and navigation protocol.

James Fleming, post: 340307, member: 136 wrote:
The bad news:
What you can do legally and what you can do and still be covered by insurance are two different matters entirely. Currently 99.9% of business and professional liability coverage excludes aircraft related coverage (and UAS systems are statutorily defined as aircraft, thus the FAA involvement). There are only a limited number of insurers in this market and the ones I've heard speak on the issue feel that what the FAA is proposing for a knowledge threshold for legal usage is below what they will require to insure you - especially a few years down the road when extended/beyond line of site operations are allowed. If I was looking to fly a UAS system commercially once the new regulations take effect, I'd still be looking to hire some retired guy with a pilots license part time to fly the thing.

I was told basically the same thing regarding insurance coverage. Below is the response I received a few months ago from my insurance agent in regard to coverage.

In response to your question on the UAV:
Because the unit is airborne and all standard general liability polices exclude losses from airborne items, you would need to have an aviation policy. Because this technology is so new, there are only a few markets offering the coverage. You could purchase both liability coverage and physical damage coverage almost like you do with your car. It would be based on the UAV cost, attachments and payload.

Thanks James

This was what I was looking for

For anybody that cant wait for the final rulings i have been doing some homework. The cheapest and easiest way to currently stay within the guidelines of your 333 exemption is believe it or not a hot air balloon
http://www.theverge.com/2015/8/27/9210047/drone-exemption-333-faa-hot-air-balloon-license&apos ;">The cheapest way to get a drone license is to take hot air balloon lessons

I talked to this gentleman and for 5,000.00USD and about 2 weeks he will have you up and going!
http://www.theballoonflightschool.com/costs.htm&apos ;">Hot Air Balloon Costs

Or just hold your breath for the FAA:)

They really need to do a micro uas catergory as well. Small is classified as under 55 lbs. Hence the strict requirements. A 55 lb drone can do some damage crashing down.

They have to realize some commercial drones are going to be very small.

For me to go get flight lessons flying in a plane, go through hoops, all to fly a 2.5 lb styrofoam ebee survey drone is just plain silly.

So I have to sit there with my 2.5lb drone in my lap while I watch some jokester hipster fly his little gopro camera around for fun on his drone with no license or exemption.

Makes a lot of sense to me....just like most government things do.....

In the UK the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) differentiate with a low weight class of up to 7kg. (15 lb), where there are lighter regulations. However all classes require passing an exam on aviation, rules of the air and navigation theory, flying exam and then yearly updates. Insurance wise, as in the US there are only a few brokers who will take on a SUA. Typical costs for commercial use are about å£1000 a year.

Most of the UK regulatory concerns appear to be about consequential results, rather than the immediate damage a SUA can cause - ie, one comes down on a road and causes a traffic accident. Conflict with manned aircraft is considered to be unlikely if all operators have gone through the training programmes and understand their duties with regard to flight planning, air zoning etc.

And yes, the UK generates a lot of paperwork for each flight as well.