UAS Operations under part 107 Remote Pilot License

FAA Part 107: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Part 107 is an FAA-certified remote pilot license that allows operators to operate drones for non-recreational purposes, including some funded research purposes.

• For more information: FAA Commercial Operators
• Required for any drone operation for non-recreational purposes
• Recreational Flight Definition: FAA Recreational Flyers

Brief Video Explanation

Overview

The following are a few main categories to familiarize yourself with the operational requirements to fly in United States airspaces especially those near the Purdue University campus, which is located under a class D airport (Purdue University airport). This document only briefly covers a basic overview of the operating procedures. Please refer to the official FAR/AIM regulation for detailed legal requirements.

All UAS non-recreational UAS operations must be flown under the FAA Part 107 rules. Aircraft must fly in "Class G" airspace at all time unless received additional air traffic authorization.

Remote Pilot-in-command (PIC)

• Responsible for and is the final authority for all operations
  • Must ensure all UAS operation complies with all application regulations
• PIC is required to be in “direct supervision” of any operators and has the ability to immediately take direct control of the UAS
• All operations must remain in Visual line-of-sight (VLOS)
• VLOS can be done through Visual observer with means of effective communication to PIC
• PIC Restriction
  • No alcohol within 8 hours
  • Cannot have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater

Visual Observer

• Must maintain effective communication with PIC at all times
• Purpose
  • Scan airspace for potential collision hazard
  • Maintain awareness of UAS

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

• Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are drones weighing less than 55 lbs at all time.

• Generally,

  • No UAS Operations over human (Refer to FAR/AIM 107.100)
  • No exposed parts that would lacerate human skin upon impact with human
  • No operations over open-air assemblies of human beings

• Drone operating under part 107 outdoors must be registered with the FAA

  • FAA DroneZone
  • The registration number must be labeled visibly on the vehicle
  • Registration Certificate must be in the pilot’s possession during operation
• The registration number must be written visibly on the UAS

Operating Condition

• Remain in visual-line-of-sight (VLOS)
• Cannot operate over a congested area
• Crewed aircraft ALWAYS have the right-of-way
• Night Operations
  • UAS must equipped with anti-collision lighting visible at least 3 statute miles
• If operated near airports or congested areas, thoroughly check the allowed airspace and safety requirements

Flight Operation procedures and requirements

• PIC must perform a preflight inspection to sUAS
• Must ensure the flight will not pose a hazard to others
• Must not operate UAS carelessly
• In-flight emergency
  • PIC can deviate from any rule to accommodate the specific emergency
  • Must report if a deviation occurs

Reporting Accidents

• Accidents must be reported within 10 calendar days if
  • Serious injury to a person occurs
  • Any loss of consciousness
  • Damage to any property exceeding $500 for cost of repair
  • Damage to any fair market value of property exceeding $500