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WASHINGTON � Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today
announced the implementation of the first operational rules for routine non-hobbyist
use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or �drones�). The regulations on
June 21, 2016 officially take effect today.
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�People are captivated by the limitless possibilities
unmanned aircraft offer, and they are already creating business opportunities
in this exciting new field,� said Secretary Foxx. �These new rules are our
latest step toward transforming aviation and society with this technology in
very profound ways.�
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�The FAA�s role is to set a flexible framework of safety
without impeding innovation,� said Administrator Huerta. �With these rules, we
have created an environment in which emerging technology can be rapidly
introduced while protecting the safety of the world�s busiest, most complex
airspace.�
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The provisions of the new rule � formally known as Part 107 �are
designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the
ground. A summary is available here:�http://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf
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Effective today, the FAA has several processes in place to
help users take advantage of the rule:
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Waivers. The agency is
offering a process to waive some of the rule�s restrictions if an operator demonstrates
the proposed flight will be conducted safely under a waiver. Users must apply
for these waivers at the online portal located at www.faa.gov/UAS
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The FAA is issuing more than 70 waivers today, based on
petitions for Section 333 exemptions. These waivers will be posted on
September1. The majority of the approved waivers were for night operations
under Part 107.
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Airspace
Authorization.
Users can operate their unmanned aircraft in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace
without air traffic control permission. Operations in Class B, C, D and E
airspace need air traffic approval. Users must request access to controlled
airspace via the electronic portal at www.faa.gov/UAS.
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The FAA will evaluate airspace
authorization requests using a phased approach.
Operators may submit their requests
starting today, but air traffic facilities will receive approved authorizations,
if granted, �according to the following
tentative schedule:
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Class D & E Surface Area����� �����������
October 3, 2016���������
Class C����������������������������������� ����������� October
31, 2016�������
Class B����������������������������������� ����������� December
5, 2016������
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The FAA will make every effort to
approve requests as soon as possible, but the actual processing time will vary,
depending on the complexity of an individual request and the volume of
applications the FAA receives. The agency is urging users to submit requests at
least 90 days before they intend to fly in controlled airspace.
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The FAA will use safety data from
each phase to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place as small UAS
operations are integrated into controlled airspace.
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Aeronautical
Knowledge Test.
Testing centers nationwide can now administer the Aeronautical Knowledge Test
required under Part 107. After an operator passes the test, he or she must
complete an FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application to receive a
remote pilot certificate at:
https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx
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It may take up to 48 hours for the
website to record that the applicant has passed the knowledge test. The FAA
expects to validate applications within 10 days. Applicants will then receive
instructions for printing a temporary airman certificate, which is good for 120
days. The FAA will mail a permanent Remote Pilot Certificate within 120 days.
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In the future, the FAA also will address operations not
covered by Part 107 without a waiver, including operations over people, beyond
line of sight operations, extended operations, flight in urban areas, and
flight at night.
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Part 107 does not apply to model aircraft. Model aircraft
operators must continue to satisfy all the criteria specified in Section 336 of
Public Law 112-95 (which is now codified in part 101), including the
stipulation they be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes. ��Click here for more
information on hobby or recreation uses.
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