The Landmark Day for the Drone Industry: Part 107
After the release of Part 107, many celebrated the rule, after years of missed deadlines, allowing the operational use of commercial drones in the U.S. airspace. There are many potential impacts and regulations that will affect certain industries and companies.
These new regulations have been debated over since 2012, with Congress stating the FAA would publish the final set of rules in 2015. In the last half-decade, companies who wanted to use drones had to request permission from the FAA, or seek approval via Section 333 exemption. This would typically take months to approve, and therefore was inconvenient for commercial drone use.
Part 107 is a major step forward for the U.S., even is some restrictions follow it. Starting August 29th, 2016, commercial drone operations may take place following these new conditions:
- All aircrafts must weigh less than 55 lbs.
- A flight is allowed under 400 feet above ground level. If flying within 400 feet of a structure, flight can be up to 400 feet above the height of that structure.
- Flight must take place within visual line of sight (VLOS) of the pilot.
- Approval is needed from specific airports to fly within their airspace.
- Flight must only take place during daytime and twilight hours.
- Flight is allowed near non-participating structures.
- Flight is not allowed directly over people who aren’t part of the operation.
- Drone operators must be certified under the new UAS Operator certification, akin to a driver’s license written test. Existing pilots may take a simple Part 61 online training course available on FAASafety.gov to satisfy the certification requirements.
- A visual observer is not required, allowing single-person operations.
- Drones must be registered with the FAA.
- Drones can carry an external load and transport property for compensation, allowing for package delivery.
- Drone operators no longer need to file a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
Many industries will be affected differently, following the new set of regulations. Some will gain more advantages, and others less. That being said, the story of the drone has evolved from Part 107.
The inspection and monitoring industry has many more advantages, as the new rule allows you to fly higher than 400ft above ground level (AGL). Flights over 400ft are also acceptable when flying within close proximity of structures. This means energy, utilities, and telecommunications infrastructures stand to benefit. The only downside for this industry is the fact that night operations may not be performed; therefore roof inspections with a thermal camera will be useless in the daylight.
For some industries, such as the mapping and surveying industry, there are incredible benefits. Stockpile measurements and small open pit mine mapping will be easier than ever before. The door is also open to laser scanning, 3D imaging capture and data processing, which benefits architectural engineering firms. As a result, many new opportunities will arise for cloud-based in-memory processing data services.
The main focal point of Part 107 is the fact that it will lower the barrier to entry for new drone pilots and service providers. As a result, we will see an increase in pilots and services, meaning a price decrease for services that were once harder to proceed. Overall, this is the perfect opportunity for new businesses, as many doors have been opened. The law of demand and supply will kick in, and with more supply, you are left with lower prices.
These exciting new rules lead us to look at the future. There are so many benefits which will pave the way to new and interesting business opportunities. We must also see this as the beginning for advancements in the drone industry.
Learn more at www.getredbird.com.
