In the United States, people who want to earn some extra money as a drone pilot or use a high-tech quadcopter to achieve some business goals must apply for a 333 Waiver from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in order to do business successfully. . and without getting into any legal trouble. This is also known as receiving a UAV or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Certification. Until last year, only a dozen companies flew drones to achieve a commercial objective. The year 2016 is seen as a year where commercial drones will really take off because the FAA plans to approve many applications this year.
In this article, we will look at how you can get certified for drones so that you can focus more on your business goals instead of worrying about getting certified for commercial use of drones.
What does an FAA exemption mean?
To carry out commercial operations using an unmanned aerial vehicle, some type of regulation must be taken into account. If someone does not follow these guidelines, there can be serious legal repercussions, especially if the person was flying a drone for a commercial purpose. Therefore, it is important to first obtain clearance from the FAA before using drones for business. A person does not need a waiver if they want to fly drones for fun. Certification is not required in such a case. However, there are some safety guidelines that need to be followed to keep yourself safe and also protect others when flying an aerial machine.
It is recommended to fly only during the day and below 400 feet. To practice this hobby safely, it is advisable to always have the machine in front of your eyes. Sometimes the drone can be uncontrollable, especially when the person flying it is a beginner and has not mastered the basic controls of this machine. You should also keep in mind that at first you will have to balance certain controls so that the drone doesn’t take off or tilt/roll on its own. These controls must be learned before attempting to fly an aerial vehicle or quadcopter for recreational purposes.
A 333 waiver is required for experienced entrepreneurs and business owners who wish to introduce drone technology to conduct their business activities. Since these machines help them increase sales, earn more profit and build a fruitful relationship with their customers, it is necessary to get some kind of certification so that you can take advantage and justify your actions to follow your business plans in the long run.
Remember that if you are not using a drone for fun and entertainment purposes but the machine weighs more than 250g, you still need to register it with the FAA.
Benefits of Obtaining a 333 Waiver
This type of exemption is not only a requirement that must be met, but is also beneficial to the person who obtains it. Just like any other certification, it tells the world that your business activities are credible and trustworthy. This can help increase the number of potential customers and eventually expand your business. When regulations are updated, you, as a certified individual, do not have to comply with the new rules. All you have to do is renew your membership and you’re all set. New entrepreneurs would have to apply for an exemption based on the new regulations. For those who wish to apply for drone liability coverage, they are eligible for more competitive rates if they have a drone certification. The process for obtaining a 333 waiver from the FAA is very detailed, allowing a business owner to rethink their strategy regarding drone use, what equipment they want to use, and whether or not drone maintenance should be integrated with the entire business plan. .
Need a 333 Waiver?
If you’re still not sure if you should incorporate drone technology into your overall business plan, this section will help you decide more easily. Commercial drone pilots are more likely to use their skills for real estate and filming or cinematography. Agriculture and monitoring in energy infrastructure are also common applications of drone technology. You must specify the type and model of aircraft you would be flying when applying for a waiver. A good number of projects use a DJI product. These models are quite strong and robust and are very popular all over the world.
As a business, you do not need to apply for a pilot license when you already have a 333 waiver. However, the person who would fly the drone needs a pilot license. Review the 333 waiver guidelines to determine the qualifications required to be a pilot licensed to fly a commercial drone.
You can find a complete summary of all the regulations, as well as other guidelines and requirements on the Internet. It is recommended that you, as the individual applying for a 333 waiver, review these documents at least once.
What to File for a 333 Waiver?
Although the FAA provides all the instructions on what documents to submit for drone certification, here is a review of those instructions to give you an idea of exactly what you would need:
In some cases, a separate COA application is required, so find out if you need it or not. For each drone you would fly, you would need to apply for an N number. There will be a separate fee associated with each of your N number registrations. In addition to the regular paperwork, you will also need additional information to support why you are making this application. The characteristics of the intended area of use and how you will achieve line of sight while flying your drone should be mentioned or explained in detail. In some cases, an authorization certificate is also required. Therefore, make sure you have read all the requirements and guidelines for filing before submitting your application.