Drone Pilots, a new challenge!
Piloting an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is my new challenge.
Like many around the world who have dreamed of flying but could not afford the costs, flying a drone may just be the next best thing.
Whether it's time, money, location or age keeping you from becoming a pilot,
learning to fly has been my own undying passion!
I'm sure many others share in this desire to be above the daily fray, to rise to where many have yet to explore, free from roads and the land-bound pull of gravity.
Learning the FAA[1] certification program, regulations and arcane vocabulary, highly detailed and confusing charts, A.M. radio communication, navigation, protocol and so many other aspects required to pass the Part 107 test, if you want to be able to fly for income.Imagine what's involved;
There are so many places that you can't fly, possibly because of the delicate nature or potential environmental impact to flora or fauna, the danger of causing an accident or endangering others, interference with existing commercial and private pilots, fire and rescue services, law enforcement, encroaching on private property, National Parks, military property exemptions and much more.
There are maximum height restrictions, limit to how early or late you can fly without modification or permission, visibility guidelines, clear communication and weather patterns. Everything that can create interference with an action, a person or an event can (and probably is) be regulated.
What is Part 107?
"The FAA Part 107 is a set of rules for operating a drone commercially (i.e. flying a drone to make money) in the U.S. It is also used to refer specifically to the certification drone pilots must have before they can legally offer professional drone services".
So who needs to get certified under Part 107?
"If you plan on flying your drone for any non-recreational purposes, Part 107 rules are applicable for all drones weighing less than 55 pounds and used for non-hobby purposes". So that means that if you charge someone to take a video or photo with your drone, you need to get certified by the FAA.
Well, for me, The roughly $2,000 [2] that my new drone and equipment costs is so much less than the costs of flying with an instructor. A small Cessna and instructor costs about $170 an hour to fly around here, and the medical requirements, preparation, scheduling, equipment and supplies. Costs easily top the cost of a consumer drone after a couple of flights. And unless I have a "Charlie Brown" moment and lose my drone to a tree (or worse, kerplunk into the Pacific), it's all good.Wow, with so many rules, are there any benefits to flying drones?
Part 2:
Buying a drone
– Leonardo DaVinci“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
[1] FAA Federal Aviation Administration
[2] General price point of a DJI Mavic 2 Pro basic set
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