A Surprising And Refreshing Common Sense Action From FAA

Commentary by By Gene Yarbrough: ANN Resident Political Analyst / Conspiracy Theorist

Along with other legislative and regulatory reviews at EAA Airventure this year the new Part 107 regulations covering commercial UAV and Drone use is generating a respectable amount of interest and attendance at the several forums and information sessions.

Jeff Antonelli, a lawyer out of the Chicago area, held an information session at the EAA Innovation center Tuesday. Mr. Antonelli highlighted key aspects of Part 107 briefly before fielding questions from the audience. Most questions dealt with clarification of who needs to comply with Part 107 and how to access information from FAA regarding acquiring the license.

As of this time any Part 61 certified airman may apply for, and receive, a part 107 license to operate a commercial drone. However those entering the arena without a previous pilot license are left to navigate a confusing and incomplete obstacle course. Part 107 doesn’t become effective until August 29, 2016 and requires an FAA knowledge test. The contents of the test are not immediately available and seemingly will not be released to the public until the rule goes active. Antonelli directed interested parties to AC107-2 which contains operating specifications and limitations and appears to be the full content of the practical knowledge and plain language explaining operating a UAS in the national airspace. Antonelli directed those airman with a Part 61 license to ALC-451, Course content for obtaining Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. ALC-451 is also an excellent study resource for those without the Part 61 certificate.

Part 107 potentially does not cover every conceivable drone operator, particularly those operating outside of the 55lb limit. Antonelli said the Section 333 exemption and waiver system is not replaced by Part 107 and is still viable, thereby allowing operators outside of Part 107 parameters a venue for continued operation.

FMI: http://www.faa.gov/uas