USA Anything think "requiring" to have a pilots license will change?

[NumberOnePilot]

I was wondering, as ridiculous as it is to "require" someone to strap a full sized airplane to themselves and go through the schooling to fly solo to achieve the minimal pilots license to be able to "make money" with a UAV legally, does anyone think this requirement will change?


I mean knowledge of manned flight is needed, but making someone achieve a pilot’s license (even the minimal) seems very unnecessary.


Kevin

 

[Joola]

Yes it will change. Whether or not you are required to obtain a pilot's license will likely depend what size UAS you will be operating, where you plan to operate, and how you plan to operate it. There's no definitive answer at this time as the regulations are still being formulated and finalized.

For reference. the proposed rulemaking on sUAS lists the following requirements. You can read the overview of all of the proposed rules here. Remember these are constantly changing.

Operator Certification and Responsibilities
Operators would be required to:

1. Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center.
2. Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.
3. Obtain an unmanned aircraft operator certificate with a small UAS rating (like existing pilot airman certificates, never expires).
4. Pass a recurrent aeronautical knowledge test every 24 months.
5. Be at least 17 years old.
6. Make available to the FAA, upon request, the small UAS for inspection or testing, and any associated documents/records required to be kept under the proposed rule.
7. Report an accident to the FAA within 10 days of any operation that results in injury or property damage.
8. Conduct a preflight inspection, to include specific aircraft and control station systems checks, to ensure the small UAS is safe for operation