Drone Operators operating for compensation must possess a license under Part 107 for Unmanned Aircraft General

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Drone Operators are required to abide by the following requirements to ensure safe operations for all parties involved:

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- Prior to conducting flight operations, the Remote Pilot in Command is required to perform a preflight inspection of equipment to determine the sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System, or Drone) is safe to for operation.

- Inspection of equipment includes, but is not limited to:

- ensure all control and communication links between drone and control station are functioning and working properly

- ensure there is enough power to fly the aircraft for the duration of the operation

- ensure that any object attached to aircraft does not negatively affect maneuverability

- They are also required to:

- brief crewmembers on:

- operation conditions

- emergency procedures

- contingency procedures

- roles and responsibilities of each person

- potential hazards present 

- assess the environment in which they will be operating by:

- assessing local weather conditions 

- ensure operation does not impose on local airspace and any flight restrictions 

- identify the locations of persons, property, and any other ground hazards

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- RPICs are not permitted to operate their sUAS over 100mph or 87 knots.

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- From the location of the control station, RPICs must have 3 statute miles of visibility.

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- sUAS are limited to an operating altitude of 400 Feet AGL (Above Ground Level)

- if flying over or next to a building or structure, you can fly within a 400 ft. radius of the structure.

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- RPICs are not permitted to fly over people, other than members of the flight crew.

- Exceptions:

- Person(s) other than flight crew are safe and secure beneath structure and/or vehicle

- A waiver is granted from FAA, allow 90 days from date of file for approval

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- If any unsafe condition arises during flight, the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)  may not continue operation.

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- If RPICs experience an in-flight emergency, they are allowed to deviate from certain sections of Part 107 rules to ensure the people and property surround operation remain safe.

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- RPICs operating for compensation must possess a Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft General License.

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- RPICs are not permitted to operate their sUAS from a moving vehicle unless they are operating in an area that is sparsely populated (They can also not be driving the moving vehicle).

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- Operational Hours : RPICs are permitted to operate 30 minutes prior to official sunrise and 30 minutes after official sunset only IF their sUAS is equipped with anti-collision lighting that is visible to naked eye for 3 statute miles.

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- RPICs are required to maintain a Visual Line of Sight on their aircraft at all times. If VLOS is lost, operator is required to reestablish as soon as it is safe and practical to do so. 

- RPICs and all crewmembers  may only use eyeglasses or contact lenses to maintain VLOS, binoculars and any other visual aids are not permitted under Part 107. 

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- If RPIC identifies an operation, which requires greater situational awareness during flight operation, they can but are not required to, enlist an additional crew member to act as a Visual Observer (VO).

- Visual Observer (VO) responsibilities per Part 107:

- able to effectively communicate sUAS (drone) location, altitude, and direction of flight

- able to effectively communicate position of other aircraft or hazards in airspace

- determine that the sUAS does not endanger life or property of another person(s)

- Utilizing a Visual Observer for flight operates does not remove the VSOL requirement of the RPIC and communication between them is required to not distract from safe operation of sUAS.

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- It is the responsibility of the RPIC to give the right of way to any and all other aircraft and to see and avoid other aircraft to prevent a collision.

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All of this information was obtained from the Drone Launch Academy's, "Drone Pilot Exam Study Guide"

If you are looking to obtain your Part 107 license for drone operations, visit their website at https://dronelaunchacademy.com

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