Recently the FAA finalized the first set of operational rules for commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems. This is great news for anyone looking to use drones as a part of their business in Arkansas. For the entire United States industry estimates are that the new rule could result in over 100,000 new jobs and more than $82 billion in revenue over the next 10 years. The new FAA Drone Rule Part 107 will go into effect at the end of August 2016. The FAA has also released a Summary of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule Part 107 highlighting the main points from the new rule.
We wanted to list a few of the important points in the new rule, starting with the passing of an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. This is great news because not only will this result in more educated UAV pilots, but it also eliminates the need for a Section 333 Exemption. All drones must weight under 55lbs and be flown within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). This means that the unmanned aircraft must be visible to the pilot at all times or within the line of sight of a Visual Observer working with the drone pilot. Drones can only be flown during daylight hours or during civil twilight hours, which are effectively 30 minutes before and after sunset. However it is worth noting though that the rule also mentions that most of the restrictions discussed are waivable if the applicant demonstrates that his or her operation can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate of waiver. At Ozark Drones we are looking forward to the new aerial opportunities in Arkansas that are going go into effect with these rules. You can read more about the FAA’s Rule Part 107 Press Release.
