FAA Eases Airspace Entry for Commercial UAS Operators
FlyingCam, one of the first companies to receive a commercial UAS exemption in the U.S., flies during the filming of Harry Potter. Photo: FlyingCam.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued 30 Section 333 commercial UAS exemptions two weeks ago and 29 last week, using a “summary grant” process to speed approvals by grouping applications that match previously granted exemptions so analysis does not have to be repeated each time.
The administration will mostly use the “summary grant” process for the applications of film and television production and aerial data collection. Unique requests will still require detailed individual analysis.
The FAA will no longer require a private pilot’s certificate and third-class medical license for operators to use the airspace. Pilots can alternatively hold either a recreational or sport pilot certificate and now only need a valid driver’s license in lieu of a medical certificate. According to the FAA, “This change is consistent with the agency’s approach for sport pilot certificate holders, who may fly light sport aircraft with a driver’s license and no FAA medical certificate.”
To date the FAA has approved 137 exemptions out of about 775 applications as of April 14.
