“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone
in broadening commercial UAS use while ensuring
we maintain our world-class safety record in all
forms of flight,” said Secretary Foxx. “These
companies are blazing a trail that others are
already following, offering the promise of new
advances in agriculture and utility safety and
maintenance.”
The firms asked the agency to grant exemptions
from regulations that address general flight
rules, pilot certificate requirements, manuals,
maintenance and equipment mandates. To receive
the exemptions, the firms had to show their UAS
operations would not adversely affect safety, or
would provide at least an equal level of safety
to the rules from which they seek the
exemptions.
In their applications, the firms said the
operators will hold private pilot certificates,
keep the UAS within line of sight at all times
and restrict flights to the "sterile area" on
the set. In granting the exemption, FAA accepted
these safety conditions, adding an inspection of
the aircraft before each flight, and prohibiting
operations at night. The agency also will issue
Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COAs)
that mandate flight rules and timely reports of
any accident or incidents.
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