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The four companies that received exemptions want
to fly UAS to perform operations for aerial
surveying, construction site monitoring and oil
rig flare stack inspections. The commercial
entities that received exemptions today are
Trimble Navigation Limited, VDOS Global, LLC,
Clayco, Inc. and Woolpert, Inc. (two
exemptions). The FAA earlier granted exemptions
to seven film and video production companies.
Secretary Foxx found that the UAS in the
proposed operations do not need an FAA-issued
certificate of airworthiness because they do not
pose a threat to national airspace users or
national security. Those findings are permitted
under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and
Reform Act of 2012.
The firms also asked the FAA to grant exemptions
from regulations that address general flight
rules, pilot certificate requirements, manuals,
maintenance and equipment mandates. In their
petitions, the firms said they will operate UAS
weighing less than 55 pounds and keep the UAS
within line of sight at all times.
In granting the exemptions, the FAA considered
the operating environments and required certain
conditions and limitations to assure the safe
operation of these UAS in the National Airspace
System. The agency also will issue Certificates
of Waiver or Authorization (COAs) that mandate
flight rules and timely reports of any accident
or incidents.
“The FAA’s first priority is the safety of our
nation’s aviation system,” said FAA
Administrator Michael Huerta. “Today’s
exemptions are a step toward integrating UAS
operations safely.” As of today, the agency has
received 167 requests for exemptions from
commercial entities. |
