New FAA Ruling Makes Commercial Drone Use Even Easier

Let's break down the newest FAA update!

The Main Takeaways:

• FAA is raising the max altitude standard from 200ft to 400ft

• Previously commercial drone registration could only be completed offline (with paper forms), but now it will happen online via https://registermyuas.faa.gov/

What has changed?

First, the FAA is raising the ceiling to 400 feet on the “blanket COA” that all 333 Exemption holders receive.  Commercial small UAS/drone operators with granted exemptions will no longer need additional approvals to fly between 200 and 400 feet. Other airspace and airport proximity limits still apply, so be sure to check the KnowBeforeYouFly website prior to any flight operations.

Second, the FAA has restructured the online drone registration system. Commercial drone operators can now register multiple drones under a single registration number, instead of requiring a unique registration number for each drone.

What’s on the horizon for the FAA and commercial operations?

Later this summer, the FAA is expected to eliminate the requirement for commercial drone operators to carry (manned aviation) pilots' licenses, and require only a UAS/drone airman knowledge certification test. With this change in place, you will be able to scale your commercial drone operations at a fraction of the time and financial investment required today. The number of legal drone operators will increase massively and drive down the price of operation for companies looking to make use of drone data.

How does this affect you?

As a commercial drone operator, you can now more easily expand operations with the revised COA measures and more streamlined online registration.

Have questions about the FAA changes? Contact us or leave your thoughts below.