In a historic step for the aviation industry, the FAA on June 21
adopted codified standards, the first for small unmanned aerial
systems ("sUAS"). The standards themselves, however,
permit little liberalization in the operational conditions that the
FAA has, so far, been willing to allow in case-by-case commercial
exemptions.
The new Part 107 rule will become effective later this summer,
likely in mid- to late August. It covers most operations by sUAS
that weigh less than 55 pounds (25 kilograms) and sets basic
requirements for such aircraft, qualifications for pilots, and
operational parameters. The FAA also provided guidance on pending
applications for exemptions for commercial operating authority
under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act and on
future waiver requests.
