Weekend Drone Piloting? What were you thinking!?
Cray-Cray (Crazy-Ass) Weekend Pilots
Is that a mosquito? No, it's another drone.
If you're an adult and semi-conscious of your environment, you've likely seen dozens of drones flying overhead by now with the ubiquitous and all too familiar droning buzz of the small aerial flying "machines.
Perhaps you too may be tempted to fly one or at least slightly-more-than curious about who flies these things, how to fly them or why the drones are becoming so popular. If so, (or if your spouse, significant other or partner seems keen to take to the skies) here are a few things to consider.
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) currently requires both hobby and for-profit pilots to register with the FAA before letting the drone go airborne.
Here's a helpful link: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/model_aircraft/
According to the FAA website, to become a pilot there are a few requirements.
To become a pilot you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (exceptions may be made if the person is unable to meet one of these requirements for a medical reason, such as hearing impairment)
- Be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a small UAS
- Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center
The list continues for a long page of requirements and qualifications. As these change or may be updated from time to time, it's best to read it on their site or to bookmark this post for reading later on.
The FAA divides people into two types of pilots:
|
|
|
What? WHY? |
Hobbyists and everybody else (anyone profiting from flying directly or indirectly).
|
|
|
The catch-all is that, if you collect income (money or compensation of any kind) for flying the drones, you are what is categorized as a "commercial" UAV pilot |
That means you have to file for and become certified in "Part 107" through an FAA-certified course or location.
“I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things.”
– Antoine de Saint-Exupery
About us:
Air805.com features aerial video and still photography for real estate, special events and fairs, corporate promotions, urban planning and for growing your business, no matter if it's "just you" or a team of 5,000.
Well-planned and highly effective photography with an award-winning photojournalist.
