In the United States, people who
wish to earn some extra cash as a drone pilot or use a high-tech quadcopter for
achieving some business objectives need to apply for a 333 Exemption from the
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in order to do business successfully and
without getting into any legal trouble. This is also known as receiving a UAV
or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Certification. Until last year only about a dozen companies
were flying drones to achieve some commercial objective. The year 2016 is seen
as a year when commercial drones will really take off because the FAA plans to
approve many applications this year.
In this article we will take a look
at how a UAV certification can be obtained so that you can concentrate more on
your business goals rather than worrying about getting certified for commercial
drone usage.
What is meant by an FAA Exemption?
To perform commercial operations
using an unmanned aerial vehicle, some sort of regulations have to be kept in
mind. If somebody fails to adhere to these guidelines, there can be serious
legal repercussions especially if the person was flying drone for some business
purpose. It is therefore important to first take clearance from the FAA before
using drones for business. A person doesn’t need an exemption if he or she
wishes to fly drone for the sake of fun. No certification is required in such a
case. However, there are some safety guidelines that need to be followed in
order to stay safe and also protect others when flying an aerial machine.
It is recommended to fly only in the
daylight and under 400 feet. In order to practice this pastime safely it is
advisable to always keep your machine in front of your eyes. Sometimes the
drone can be uncontrollable especially when the person flying it is a beginner
and doesn’t have command over the basic controls of this machine. You also need
to keep in mind that in the start you will have to balance out certain controls
so that the drone doesn’t take off or tilt/rotate on its own. These controls
should be learned before attempting to fly an aerial vehicle or a quadcopter
for recreational purpose.
A 333 exemption is required for
entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners who wish to introduce the drone
technology to carry out their business activities. Since these machines help
them in increasing sales, earning more profits and building a fruitful
relationship with their customers, there is a need to get some sort of
certification so that you can leverage and justify your actions to suit your
long-term business plans.
Remember that if you are not using a
drone for the purpose of fun and entertainment but the machine weighs more than
250g, you still need to register it with the FAA.
Benefits of Getting a 333 Exemption
This sort of an exemption is not just
a requirement to be fulfilled it is also beneficial to the person who gets it. Just
like any other certification, it tells the world that your business activities are
credible and trustworthy. This can help to increase the number of prospects and
eventually expand your business. When regulations are updated, you as a
certified individual do not have to abide by the new rules. All you have to do
is renew your membership and you are all set. New businessmen would have to
apply for an exemption based on the new regulations. For those who wish to
apply for drone liability coverage, they are eligible for more competitive
rates if they have a UAV certification. The process of getting a 333 exemption
from the FAA is a very detailed one, which allows a businessman to rethink his
or her strategy regarding drone usage, what equipment they wish to use, and
whether drone maintenance should be integrated with the entire business plan or
not.
Do You Need a 333 Exemption?
If you are still undecided on
whether you should incorporate drone technology into your overall business
plan, this section will help you decide more easily. Commercial drone pilots
are more likely to use their skills for real estate and filming or
cinematography. Agriculture and monitoring in the energy infrastructure are
also common applications of drone technology. You need to specify the type and
model of the aircraft you would be flying when applying for an exemption. A
good number of projects are using a DJI product. These models are quite sturdy
and robust and are very much popular all over the world.
As a business, there is no need to
apply for a pilot license when you already hold a 333 exemption. However, the
person who would be flying the drone needs a pilot license. Go through the 333
exemption guidelines to determine the qualifications required to be a licensed
pilot for flying a drone for a commercial purpose.
A complete summary of all the
regulations as well as other guidelines and requirements can be found on the internet.
It is recommended that you, as an individual applying for a 333 exemption, must
go through these documents at least once.
What to File for a 333 Exemption?
Although the FAA provides all the
instructions on what documents to file for drone certification, here is a
review of those instructions to give you an idea of what exactly you would
need:
In some cases a separate COA
application is required, so find out whether you need one or not. For each
drone you would be flying, you need to file for an N-number. There will be a
separate fee associated with each of your N-number registrations. In addition
to regular paperwork, you will also need additional information to support why
you are making this request. Characteristics of the intended area of use and
how you will achieve line-of-sight while flying your drone are to be mentioned
or explained in detail. In some cases, certificate of authorization is also
required. So, make sure you have read all the requirements and guidelines for
filing the petition before submitting your application.
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