Introduction
An unmanned aircraft system (UAS), sometimes called a drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard instead the aircraft is controlled by someone on the ground. One of the biggest hurdles to the mass adoption of drones is the numerous regulations that currently restrict what drone operators can and can not do. Currently, there are two options to fly your drone legally, under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft or under the FAA’s small UAS rule. Each option has different requirements depending on how you want to fly. One of the most prevalent restrictions is commonly known as the “line of sight rule”. Another commonly asked question is whether you need a license to fly your drone or not.
Summary
The Federal Aviation
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To operate a drone under part 107 you must have a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. If you are not already a pilot, the requirements for a Remote Pilot Certificate are: Be at least 16 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center, and undergo Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) security screening. As with all pilot certificates, you must be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If you already hold a pilot certificate under 14 CFR part 61, the application process is a little simpler. Rather than going to an FAA-approved knowledge testing center, you can complete an online training course then apply for the remote pilot certificate online by using the application form on the FAA’s website. After that, you need to validate your identity by contacting a Flight Service District Office, an FAA-designated pilot examiner, airman certification representative, or a Certified Flight Instructor and they will issue the applicant a temporary airman certificate and the permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail. The certificate is valid for 2 years and current certificate holders must pass a recurrent knowledge exam every two …show more content…
The current regulations, the line of sight rule in particular, hinder the potential application for drone deliveries in the future. If major retailers such as Amazon or Walmart want to use drones for deliveries this regulation will need to change or a possible waiver could be issued. Also, under the current system, there is no way to know if drones are being registered kept track of. You or I can buy a drone online and fly it on our property without anyone knowing which could lead possible problems in the future. I believe more regulations need to be put in place to keep our current airspace system