SUMMARY

The FAA is amending its regulations to allow the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems in the
National Airspace System. These changes address the operation of unmanned aircraft systems and
certification of their remote pilots. This rule will also prohibit model aircraft from endangering the
safety of the National Airspace System.

The NPRM proposed operating and certification requirements to allow small unmanned aircraft
systems (small UAS) to operate for non-hobby and non-recreational purposes.2 A small UAS consists
of a small unmanned aircraft (which, as defined by statute, is an unmanned aircraft weighing less
than 55 pounds3 ) and equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of that aircraft. The
FAA has accommodated non-recreational small UAS use through various mechanisms, such as
special airworthiness certificates, exemptions, and certificates of waiver or authorization (COAs).

Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over any persons not directly participating in the
operation, not under a covered structure, and not inside a covered stationary vehicle.

Maximum groundspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).

Maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) or, if higher than 400 feet AGL, remain
within 400 feet of a structure.

External load operations are allowed if the object being carried by the unmanned aircraft is securely
attached and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.
To operate a UAS in America, the FAA regulations imply that the unmanned aircraft must weigh less
than 55lbs (25 Kg). It is necessary that the aircraft stay close and remain within Visual-line-of-sight
(VLOS) of the remote pilot in command (RPOC) and the person controlling the aircraft at all times,
such that the aircraft can be clearly seen without any visual aid equipment, excluding correcting
lenses. Alternatively, it was proposed by the FAA that a visual observer may be employed to watch
the unmanned aircraft instead of the operator and the aircraft. In that case, the observer must be
able to watch the UAS throughout the entire flight whilst reporting back to the operator on the
aircraft’s position, direction, and the hazards that might be inflicted on the aircraft or by the aircraft.

Due to reduced visibility associated with night-time operations, unmanned aircraft’s are restricted to
day-light only operations. However, aircraft’s equipped with lighting anti-collision lightning ranging
to higher than 5km are allowed to conduct operations during civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise
and 30 minutes after sunset). The FAA requires unmanned aircraft’s to fly within a maximum
altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AVL). For aircrafts (1) flown within a 400-foot radius of a
structure, and (2) does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure’s roof, a 500-foot operating
ceiling is allowed.

The NPRM proposed a maximum air speed limit of 87 knots (100 mph) for small unmanned aircraft.

It is also proposed by the NPRM that an operator would be limited to operating no more than one
UAS at a time. This prohibition will be waivable if a person establishes that his or her simultaneous
operation of more than one small unmanned aircraft can safely be conducted under the terms of a
certificate of waiver.

It is required by the FAA that a limit of one UAS at a time shall be operated. This prohibition is
waivable if a swarm of UAS can be conducted safely at the same time. The NPRM proposed that an
operator or visual observer would be limited to operating no more than one small UAS at the same
time. This prohibition will be waivable if a person establishes that his or her simultaneous operation
of more than one small unmanned aircraft can safely be conducted under the terms of a certificate
of waiver. DJI said it may be possible for an operator to operate more than one small UAS at a time if
there are sufficient visual observers or detect-and-avoid technology.

The NPRM proposed to prohibit the operation of small unmanned aircraft over a person unless that
person is either directly participating in the small UAS operation or is located under a covered
structure that would protect the person from a falling small unmanned aircraft.

this prohibition will be waivable to allow the FAA to consider case-Specific mitigations. In order to
obtain a waiver, an applicant will have to demonstrate that he or she has implemented mitigations
such that small unmanned aircraft flight over people can safely be conducted under the terms of a
certificate of waiver. However, the FAA notes that, depending on the specific nature of the small
UAS operation, the remote pilot in command may need to comply with State and local trespassing
laws. The NPRM proposed to require that, prior to flight, the remote pilot in command must ensure
that all persons directly involved in the small UAS operation receive a briefing that includes
operating conditions, emergency procedures, contingency procedures, roles and responsibilities,
and potential hazards.
this rule will allow external load and towing operations as long as the object that is attached to or
carried by the small unmanned aircraft is secure and does not adversely affect the flight
characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.