TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --
A new world of opportunities
for drone operators recently opened when the new small drone rule for
non-hobbyists became effective. The Federal Aviation Administration wants to
make sure you have the information you’ll need to take advantage of those
opportunities.
Aeronautical Knowledge Test
One very important step you
have to take is to obtain your remote pilot certificate. Under the new rule —
also known as Part 107 — the person actually flying a drone must have a remote
pilot certificate with a small unmanned aerial system rating, or be directly
supervised by someone with such a certificate.
To qualify for the
certificate, you must either pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an
FAA-approved knowledge testing center or have an existing non-student Part 61
pilot certificate. If you are qualifying under the latter provision, you must
have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and must take an FAA
UAS online training course. The Transportation Security Administration will
conduct a security background check of all remote pilot applications prior to
issuance of a certificate.
The FAA has posted extensive
materials, including a test guide and sample questions, to help you prepare for
the knowledge test. You can review the materials by clicking on the “Knowledge
Test Prep Part 107” button at www.faa.gov/uas.
Other things to remember:
• The FAA has a statutory requirement that applies to all
privately owned unmanned aircraft that weigh more than .55 pounds.
Users are required to register aircraft meeting the
aforementioned requirements in a national data base.
The registration is web-based and patrons will be required
to provide a nominal fee of $5 per application. This registration will be valid
for a period not to exceed three years.
The registration process is very simple and you will be required
to provide your name, home address and a valid email address to complete
it.
When the application is complete, you will receive an
aircraft registration/proof of insurance certificate and an identification
number which is required to be marked on the aircraft. If you own multiple
unmanned aircraft, this registration will be valid for all of them.
To register, log on to www.faa.gov/usa/registration.
Failure to register your unmanned aerial system can result
in fines up to $250,000 and/or up to three years in prison.
• The Air Field Operations Flight recommends flying these
unmanned aircraft at one of the many model aircraft parks that exist across the
country. The remote controlled flying locations in Oklahoma can be found at
Okie-rc.org. These clubs use established flying areas and are familiar with the
rules surrounding unmanned aircraft.
• Unmanned aircraft must remain below 400 feet and outside
of 5 miles from any airport/airfield.
• These unmanned aircraft are not allowed to be flown on Tinker
AFB, unless required for official government business and approved by Airfield
Management. If you see an unmanned
aircraft flying, report it to security forces at 734-3737.
For more information, log on to KnowBeforeYouFly.org. This
website is jointly sponsored by the FAA, the Association of Unmanned Vehicle
Systems International and other organizations.