Source: https://www.countrypartnerscoop.com/news/what-do-the-new-drone-regulations-mean/
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 12:15:45
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Matched Legal Cases: ['art 107', 'art 107', 'art 61', 'art 107', 'art 107', 'art 107', 'art 107', 'art 107']

What do the New Drone Regulations Mean? - Country Partners
What do the New Drone Regulations Mean?
On June 21, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration released the much anticipated new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drone regulations, also referred to as Part 107. These rules go in effect Aug. 29, 2016, and cover a broad spectrum of commercial uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds (take‐off weight).
One of the most significant changes is that commercial operations that fit within the framework of Part 107 will no longer require Federal Aviation Administration approval by exemption, which has typically taken months to secure. Previously, commercial operators needed a “Section 333 exemption,” which allowed an operator with a Federal Aviation Administration-approved certificate of authorization to fly in the National Airspace. Needless to say, these certification rules restricted and discouraged the potential use of drones for agriculture and many other commercial purposes.
To qualify for a remote pilot certificate, you will have to be at least 16 years old and pass an initial in-person aeronautical knowledge test at a Federal Aviation Administration‐approved testing center. If you already have a Part 61 pilot certificate other than a student pilot certificate, then the requirements are to complete a flight review within the previous 24 months and complete a small UAS online training course provided by the Federal Aviation Administration. Before the certificate is issued, you will be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration for background checks.
The R-PIC must conduct a preflight check of the small UAS to ensure it is in a condition to operate safely. The manned private pilot Federal Aviation Administration knowledge test is no longer required. If you already have a Section 333 exemption, you can continue to operate the UAS under the exemption until it expires. After that, you may choose to operate your UAS under the Part 107 rules by obtaining a remote pilot certificate.
Members of the public will be able to take the Federal Aviation Administration aeronautical knowledge test at testing centers starting Aug. 29, 2016. A cost of $150 for the knowledge test is anticipated. Following the test, you will have to complete the Federal Aviation Administration Airman Certificate Application Form and apply for the remote pilot certificate. If you fail the test, you can retake the test after 14 days.
The new Part 107 regulations have been derived by essentially separating the small UAS from the manned aircraft rules. It is now possible to operate a UAS without a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness certificate, a pilot license or section 333 exemptions.
With the expanding market potential, the drone industry will now attract substantial new private investments. That in effect will spur new innovations, critical scientific research and development and local job growth. If you feel the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 regulations did not go far enough, the advice is to stay patient. This is the first step in a series of changes and more operational concepts will be approved with time.
For a summary of information, read the Federal Aviation Administration’s “Summary of Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule (Part 107).”
For more information about the UAS use in agriculture and research, visit UAS in Agriculture Learning Network and read their blog post, “A Summary of FAA Part 107 rules by the UAS in Agriculture Learning Network.”