Flying for profit (US)

[iKokomo]

I know that the New proposed FAA rules seem very reasonable for using these things for commercial use. But they need to be voted on until they become law.
So I was wondering what I can do in the meantime? I know that you need to petition for a Section 333 exemption to be able to do it. And even the FAA streamlines and gives blanket exemptions to certain things:
https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=82245

But I was wondering how to get FAA exemption? I have read things on the FAA website and I know it is super confusing.

I have been flying for fun for a while, but I would not mind making a few bucks off of it legally

Thanks!!

 

[liamstrain]

I'm not very clear myself, but I believe you need to do a few things, including have a private pilots license, have at least 25 logged hours on quads (10 of them on the quad named in the exemption), a spotter with training, level 4 medical, and register your commercial flights with the FAA beforehand (the streamlining is only for those already with the exemption). With those things lined up, there is a page on the FAA page with step by step instructions on submitting the request.
https://www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333/how_to_file_a_petition/

This is based just on my cursory reading of the FAA regulations as they currently stand (not the ones proposed for 2017 - which remove the pilots license restriction). I'm hoping those who know more will chime in.

 

[PCR]

Here is a link to a good video by someone who has and exemption.

Also here is a link to approved exemptions, take a look at the requirements, alot of things to do to fly including being a pilot!! huh? That is right you need to start a real airplane and take it up and fly to be able to fly a large toy!

http://www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333/333_authorizations/

New regulation will change this (especially the need for a pilots license), I am trying to figure out if there is any advantage to getting the exemption now, but I don't see a dis-advantage so may just do it

 

[GJH105775]

I have heard of people tethering to do bridge inspections, as there are regulations against flying commercially without any type of exemption, without it being anchored to the ground in the US, can anyone confirm or deny that?


EDIT:

No longer valid as FAA's new rules include tethered flights.


@Long Range RC

 

[PCR]

BTW did file for the exemption now need to wait about 2 months, I have a word processing file that you can modify if you wish to file your own exemption.

I do not see any downside to filing, I do not have a pilots license and I am sure that requirement will end, there will still be testing and registration so maybe this will put me closer to the front of the line.

Let me know if you want the file for filing a exemption

 

[Joe Saylor]

PCR, have you gotten your exemption ? I have been considering submitting my request as well and I do not have a pilot's license either.

 

[ringolong]

Ill take a copy if you don't mind. You can either post here or email it to me @ removed

Thanks!

 

[PCR]

email sent, let me know if you don't get it or have questions

 

[PCR]

Little update, new regulations expected in September will remove the pilots license requirements, bad news, probably will not be finalized till 2017. Good news there is a bill in the legislature that will remove the requirement until the new regulations are finalize, bad news, our legislature is so dysfunctional there is no way to tell when they may get this out

 

[GJH105775]

Little update, new regulations expected in September will remove the pilots license requirements, bad news, probably will not be finalized till 2017. Good news there is a bill in the legislature that will remove the requirement until the new regulations are finalize, bad news, our legislature is so dysfunctional there is no way to tell when they may get this out

Bipolar legislation.

 

[ringolong]

Got it. Thanks!

 

[PCR]

BTW here are the proposed rules.

 

[ringolong]

Thanks!

VLOS

 

[ringolong]

Mine was posted on the 20th on the regulations site. Is this just a step in the process? I know I have to register my craft too, but I think I am about to get another one too

I am not sure what else I need to do.

 

[ringolong]

I read last night that it takes 30 days after it is posted to receive the letter of exemption in-case anyone was wondering.

 

[GJH105775]

I read last night that it takes 30 days after it is posted to receive the letter of exemption in-case anyone was wondering.

The limitations are not too bad, but if this is for non-commercial then it would be a problem.
"Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center."

 

[ringolong]

We have one that is about 20 miles from here, so I could take it there. I also have a friend that happens to be a commercial pilot if I needed a pilot before I write the exam. This is clearly a government process lol

This would be terrible for non-commercial purposes.

 

[uasmasterchief]

If anyone above needs help filing your exemptions, uasexemptions.com has DIY kits and complete filing services for exemption petitions, aircraft registrations, etc. We also have a bunch of downloadable sample forms and documents that are mandatory to be on site. Getting all the docs together can be a real pain if your not very familiar with the appropriate CFRs for exemption, that's why we put it together.

Also you can PM me if you have questions. Just here to help.