UAVs can operate anywhere a licensed pilot with a Class 2 medical exam can. The LoA would be from the local ATC controlling that airspace.
The FAA controls all airspace; even that used by hobbyists, which are allowed to operate below 400 ft.
Currently the FAA does not distinguish between large UAVs and micro-UAVs, but that may change in the upcoming months. And that's where most people who operate UAVs get themselves into trouble.
Also, FEMA does not have any authority over the airspace, even stated in FEMA documentation available on their website: "DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the operation and regulation of the
U.S. National Airspace System, including during emergencies. "
- http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-01.pdf
FEMA doesn't have authorization over airspace, its 100 percent FAA. It's even very clearly stated in FEMA records:
DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the operation and regulation of the U.S. National Airspace System, including during emergencies.
- http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-01.pdf
Also, the drone operators were using FAA licensed and authorized equipment. That means they act with the same authority as a pilot flying a 747. The fact that its controlled remotely doesn't change anything.
FEMA was absolutely in the wrong; despite what may appear to be best intentions.
A lot of really terrible information is being passed around in these comments.
No, FEMA does not have any authority over air space. That is 100% FAA. Here is a quote from FEMA documentation, "DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the operation and regulation of the U.S. National Airspace System, including during emergencies."
- http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-01.pdf
Yes, the operators were legally operating the UAV so long as they have a pilot license and a Class 2 medical examination, then they are treated the same as any other pilot.
If they do not have a pilots license, they must have completed ground school and still have a Class 2 medical exam. The UAV must be registered with the FAA; including each piece having a serial number.
To fly for not-profit means being associated with a research entity under a Certificate of Authorization (CoA), such as a state university or the government. There isn't anything in the regulations stating that a company or individual that has complied with all FAA regulations cannot operate for profit, provided they are not trying to profit under a CoA.
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Re:
Human piloted helicopters, at a minimum, are $1,000 per hour to operate.
Re: Re: Authority?
UAVs can operate anywhere a licensed pilot with a Class 2 medical exam can. The LoA would be from the local ATC controlling that airspace.
The FAA controls all airspace; even that used by hobbyists, which are allowed to operate below 400 ft.
Currently the FAA does not distinguish between large UAVs and micro-UAVs, but that may change in the upcoming months. And that's where most people who operate UAVs get themselves into trouble.
Also, FEMA does not have any authority over the airspace, even stated in FEMA documentation available on their website: "DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the operation and regulation of the
U.S. National Airspace System, including during emergencies. "
- http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-01.pdf
Re:
FEMA doesn't have authorization over airspace, its 100 percent FAA. It's even very clearly stated in FEMA records:
DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the operation and regulation of the U.S. National Airspace System, including during emergencies.
- http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-01.pdf
Also, the drone operators were using FAA licensed and authorized equipment. That means they act with the same authority as a pilot flying a 747. The fact that its controlled remotely doesn't change anything.
FEMA was absolutely in the wrong; despite what may appear to be best intentions.
Trying to correct misinformation
A lot of really terrible information is being passed around in these comments.
No, FEMA does not have any authority over air space. That is 100% FAA. Here is a quote from FEMA documentation, "DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the operation and regulation of the U.S. National Airspace System, including during emergencies."
- http://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-01.pdf
Yes, the operators were legally operating the UAV so long as they have a pilot license and a Class 2 medical examination, then they are treated the same as any other pilot.
If they do not have a pilots license, they must have completed ground school and still have a Class 2 medical exam. The UAV must be registered with the FAA; including each piece having a serial number.
To fly for not-profit means being associated with a research entity under a Certificate of Authorization (CoA), such as a state university or the government. There isn't anything in the regulations stating that a company or individual that has complied with all FAA regulations cannot operate for profit, provided they are not trying to profit under a CoA.