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Drone opertion certificates
2589 13 2016-10-9
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ecophobic
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Besides my $20 coin size drones i fly around the house the Mavic is going to be my first "real deal". I'm seeing comments about various certificates when it comes to flying a drone, flying commercialy, and others. Where can i find info on what certificates i'll need and how to get them?
Thank you in advance
2016-10-9
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ecophobic
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Another more specific question... FCC 107 Cert. If I plan on mostly flying for fun but once in a while using my photos for sale (not a full time business) will I need that 107 Certificate?
2016-10-9
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Fulgerite
First Officer

United States
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Here are some helpful links:

http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/register-your-drone/

https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_cert ... rcraft_registry/ua/
2016-10-9
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ecophobic
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Thanks for the links
2016-10-9
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jmims
Second Officer
Flight distance : 1686991 ft
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That's awesome, ecophobic. I think the Mavic is going to be a fun drone to fly. Those are definitely the links you need. Here are the answers to your questions:

- You definitely have to register your drone with the FAA. It'll cost $5. DJI will have something in the box about registration. Takes 5 minutes. http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/register-your-drone/

- If you plan to fly commercially (for hire), you have to get the FCC 107 Cert. If you sell your photos, by the letter of the law, you have to have the certification (it was a question on my cert exam). Obviously, when you are in the air flying around taking pictures, no one can know whether you are flying for fun or flying commercially. What I would worry about would be selling a photo and then having an accident. Even if the accident is not your fault, some lawyer will find your photos (for sale) online and then say that you should have been certified, and you were being negligent. I know that's an extreme, but I think that's the most likely "problem" you could have selling a few photos online.

- In North Carolina, commercial pilots also have to get a certification from the state. It's free and easy, but I'm guessing lots in NC have overlooked it. If you decide to take your FAA exam, check your state too for local laws.

Finally, a bit of extra advice: Don't fly over a national park. They are really serious about that. Someone posted a flight on YouTube with a similar business name as mine. I got the call from the park ranger reminding me of the rules. Fortunately, it wasn't my video, but the fact that they spent the time to hunt me down (even though they got the wrong guy). That tells me they are serious about people flying over their parks.

Have fun and enjoy your drone.
2016-10-9
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ecophobic
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Jmim: thank you for that. I'll probably register "for fun" and stick with personal photos till I get to be an ace flyer. Then I'll see how my shots look then look into "going pro". Definitely anxious to get in the air and seeing the possibilities. I've been into RC (mostly racing off-road 1/10 & 1/8) since late 80s but this is a new level for me.  
2016-10-9
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T_A_Rogers
lvl.3
Flight distance : 68537 ft
United States
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FAA defines flying "commercially" as "in furtherance of a business". So yes, if your flights are in any way helping a business (yours or a friend's, etc), you'd need the cert.
2016-10-12
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Guntert
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Flight distance : 766260 ft
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T_A_Rogers Posted at 2016-10-13 02:38
FAA defines flying "commercially" as "in furtherance of a business". So yes, if your flights are in  ...

how and where can I get the cert? how do I study for it?
2016-10-12
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msduncanrolltid
Second Officer
Flight distance : 1669012 ft
United States
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I'm also interested in getting the cert.   Question:   do most major corporations fall under the 333 exemption and thus you would need a manned aircraft license as well?   I ask because I did think of getting my drone cert and thus being qualified for a few jobs in my company if they move into using drones.   
2016-10-12
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F6B-Rider
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jmims@me.com Posted at 2016-10-10 13:12
That's awesome, ecophobic. I think the Mavic is going to be a fun drone to fly. Those are definitely ...

All good info, just a FYI, you do not register your drone, you register yourself as a drone operator. You can change drones as often as you like as long as YOUR registration number is affixed somewhere on the drone. Be sure to remove the sticker from any drone you sell. A good idea is to NOT permanently inscribe your number with a sharpie but rather print a label for inside the battery compartment. (providing there is a space in a Mavic battery slot)
2016-10-12
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DJI-Ken
DJI team
Flight distance : 1515312 ft
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F6B-Rider Posted at 2016-10-13 11:08
All good info, just a FYI, you do not register your drone, you register yourself as a drone operat ...

There's plenty of space i the Mavic battery slot for a label.
2016-10-12
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Khan SW
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Flight distance : 32956 ft
United States
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FAA regulations under Part 107 clearly states that if it's used for profit you require the certification, if its just used for hobby or recreational it is not required.
2016-10-13
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T_A_Rogers
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Flight distance : 68537 ft
United States
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Guntert Posted at 2016-10-13 06:32
how and where can I get the cert? how do I study for it?

There are lots of companies that offer courses for studying for this test. The content isn't as simple as you'd hope - It covers content that isn't common knowledge (If you go to www.remotepilot101.com/ and scroll down you'll see a quick summary of the test's content)

A quick google will point you to companies who offer training. Just listing a few, all of which I have no affiliation with:

(The FAA's course) https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ ... 26&crID=1436761
http://uavcoach.com/drone-certification/
http://remotepilot101.com/

2016-10-13
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Glim1000
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Canada
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From the FAA website:  https://registermyuas.faa.gov/

Do I need to register my Unmanned Aircraft?   You need to register your aircraft if it weighs between 0.55 lbs. (250 grams) and up to 55 lbs. (25 kg)

You will also need a pre-flight checklist and a copy of the rules:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/media/Part_107_Summary.pdf

The App to see if the area you are in is safe to fly:  https://www.faa.gov/uas/where_to_fly/b4ufly/

As said above you cannot fly in National Parks but I could not find any mention of this on the FAA website.  The National Park service has issued the following linked from this site:  
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of [insert name of park] is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.


I live in Canada and plan on taking mine to the US when I go on vacation so have pre-registered with the FAA.  Costs about $6.50 CDN and you get a certificate emailed to you.  Printed it off and will make up a certificate number sticky label to attach to the Mavic.

2016-10-13
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