Opportunities for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots are now wide-open under the new FAA small UAS (sUAS) Part 107 rule, which legalizes and regulates these air ops. Drone work in the U.S. film and TV industry has also taken flight recently under the agency’s Section 333 exemption waivers. Meanwhile, demand for experienced commercial and military pilots to operate government UAS devices grows as well. Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — which represents the autonomous and robotic system industry — and member of the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee, and Tony Carmean, partner/producer of pioneering UAS cinematography firm Aerial MOB, which helped the FAA establish the Section 333 exemption, explain how to become a UAS pilot under these new rules.
How to Become a Professional Drone Pilot
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA's new Part 107 rule and Section 333 exemptions have legalized and regulated commercial drone operations, creating wide-ranging opportunities for UAS pilots in sectors like film/TV, government, and various other industries.
- To operate a UAS for hire, pilots typically need a Part 107 remote pilot certificate, which can be obtained by passing an aeronautical knowledge test or by holding a traditional pilot certificate coupled with sUAS training. Specific roles, such as those in film/TV under Section 333 or government/military, may require higher conventional pilot qualifications.
- While traditional "seat-of-the-pants" flying skills are not always critical for UAS operators, professional training, platform familiarity, and industry-specific knowledge (e.g., cinematography, set etiquette) are essential. Compensation for independent contractors in fields like entertainment can range from $1,000 to $2,000 per day.
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