how their system is designed, constructed, and manufactured, including engineering processes, software development and control, configuration management, and quality assurance procedures used, along with how an where they intend to fly (FAA, 2015d). There are two types of SAC categories: (a) SAC in the experimental category and (b) a UAS type and airworthiness certificate in the Restricted Category (FAA, 2015d). SAC in the experimental category may be used for civil aircraft to perform research and development, crew training, and market surveys. However, carrying persons or property for compensation or hire is prohibited in accordance with FAA Order 8130.34. A UAS type and airworthiness certificate in the Restricted Category is issued under 14 CFR § 21.25(a)(2) and § 21.185 for a special purpose or a type certificate for production of the UAS under 14 CFR § 21.25(a)(1) or § 21.17 (FAA, 2015d). In March 2015, the FAA established an interim policy to speed up airspace authorizations for certain UAS operators who obtain Section 333 exemptions. Under this new policy, the FAA would grant a COA for flights at or below 200 feet to any UAS operator with a Section 333 exemption for aircraft that weigh less than 55 pounds, operate during daytime Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, operate within visual line-of-sight (VLOS) of the pilots, and stay certain distances away from airports or heliports. The “blanket” 200-foot COA allows flights anywhere in the country except restricted airspace and other areas, such as major cities, where the FAA prohibits UAS operations. Previously, an operator had to apply for and receive a COA for a particular block of airspace, a process that could take 60 days (FAA, 2015e). As of the beginning of August 2015, the FAA had granted 1,277 Section 333 Exemptions for the purposes of research and development, marketing surveys, or crew training (FAA, 2015e).
Current UAS FAA Policy for hobby or recreational use The FAA was clear in its press release that the notice, published in the Federal Register in June 2014, was to provide clear guidance to model operators on the “do’s and don’ts of flying safely” in accordance with the Act and to answer many of the questions it has received regarding the scope and application of the rules (FAA, 2014a). In the notice, the FAA restated the law’s definition of model aircraft including requirements that they not interfere with manned aircraft, be flown within sight of the operator and be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes. The FAA also explained that model aircraft operators flying within five miles of an airport must notify the airport operator and air traffic control tower (FAA, 2014a). The FAA reaffirmed that these provisions only apply to hobby or recreation operations and do NOT authorize the use of model aircraft for commercial operations. To this end the FAA included on its website (www.faa.gov) an informational video together with a do’s and don’ts fact sheet, intended for the public who may not be as familiar with the NAS as aviators (FAA, 2015e). Governing policy still remains that stated in Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57 (FAA, 1981). (This holds true despite the brief cancellation and subsequent reinstatement of the policy by the FAA, sometime in October 2014) (Academy of Model Aeronautics, n.d.). AC 91-57 gives guidance to persons who operate a model aircraft/UAS weighing less than 55 pounds. Among the guidance, one can find sound advice on site selection and use of good judgment. Users are to avoid noise sensitive areas such as parks, schools, hospitals, and churches. Hobbyists are advised not to fly in the vicinity of spectators until they are confident that the model aircraft has been flight tested and proven airworthy. Model aircraft should be flown below 400 feet above the surface to avoid other aircraft in flight as well as within visual line of sight (FAA, 1981). In short, the FAA made it clear that the Agency would take enforcement action against model aircraft operators who operate their aircraft in a manner that endangers the safety of the NAS as it is their job to protect users of the airspace as well as people and property on the ground (FAA, 2014a). Additionally, the FAA made it clear that authorization is required if photographs or video captured during recreational use were then sold to another individual (FAA, 2015d).