Although not directly related to home inspections, I wanted to share with you updates to FAA commercial drone use law as I know some of you are using drones for inspections and property video montages.
The FAA has released a new set of rules for commercial use drones weighing up to 55lb that come in to effect August 29, 2016. Click here for the official summary.
- Must be 16 years old and have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, or be directly supervised by someone with such certification.
- To qualify for a remote pilot certification, pass an FAA approved aeronautical knowledge test, or have a non-student Part 61 pilot certificate (TSA conducts a security background check).
- Operators to ensure drone is safe before flying.
- Use limited to daylight hours.
- Fly up to 400' in the air, or higher if within 400' of a structure.
Last year, California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed SB142 that attempted to restrict the use of drones flying over private property. Here is a link to an informative article by Dirk Dallas on the issues facing drone regulation in California.
On a side note, use of drones for deliveries is still banned, but the FAA has allowed Google's X Division to test their drone delivery system, Project Wing.
On a side note, use of drones for deliveries is still banned, but the FAA has allowed Google's X Division to test their drone delivery system, Project Wing.
