FAA Makes Several Changes to Part 107

At the end of 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration made several changes to the regulations that affect Part 107.  Usually hearing about new government regulations would make one think of restrictions to an industry. However, many of these changes are beneficial to the drone industry.  It makes perfect sense. In order for the industry to advance into drones performing everyday tasks, these changes are necessary. 

Drone pilots operating under Part 107 will now be able to fly at night without a waiver. Proper equipment is necessary. “The small unmanned aircraft must have lighted anti-collision lighting visible for at least three (3) statute miles that has a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision (FAA.gov).”

The new rule allows drone pilots to fly over people as well. It is not intended the drone will not fly over congregations of people over a long period of time. It is only meant to fly over people incidentally as it travels.

Pilots can now fly over vehicles. Vehicle owners must be notified if the drone will fly overhead for an extended period of time. This notice is not necessary if the overhead flight is just incidentally during the normal flight path.

In addition, it seems as though the Part 107 certification will not require a test past to be passed every two years. After the initial certification, the F.A.A. website mentions that “online recurrent training” will be required. The website is not clear about what that means exactly, but it makes sense that constant training and updates on new regulations will make pilots better than to require a test to be passed every other year.

Amazon has been testing the use of drones to deliver packages (CNN). Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 is required for Amazon to make deliveries which is different from the Part 107 changes that will affect most drone pilots. Changes in the regulation are necessary for drones to become more mainstream in society. As technology advances drones will have even more uses in society.  It is exciting to learn about the new changes to come and how it might positively impact the industry.

https://dronerush.com/part-107-license-flight-over-people-night-flight-faa-rules-22220/, Retrieved on 2/27/2021

https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/operations_over_people/, Retrieved on 2/27/2021https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/31/tech/amazon-drone-faa-approval/index.html, Retrieved on 2/27/2021

New Manufacturer of Drones to Arrive

The drone market will see a new supplier soon. Sony has recently announced that they will start to manufacture drone camera/videography products in the spring of 2021. The new line of drones will be known as “Airpeak.”  This is exciting news for drone enthusiasts and commercial drone pilots alike. More competition in the market only can be beneficial to consumers purchasing their products. It will force companies to keep pricing competitive and continually innovate their product line.

Sony has not announced many details on the product as of yet. Sony put an image of the drone on their website.The company stated the Airpeak drone will lead in the area of  the “creation of the unprecedented value through its imaging and sensing technology as well as 3R technologies (Reality, Real-time and Remote) in the drone area. (Sony.net).” It seems as though the product will be marketed toward professional photographers who are already well familiar with quality Sony products. The hobbyist will need to continue to enjoy DJI drones which is the current market leader. Although more competition could lead to lower prices, I am speculating this product will have a high price tag.

It will be interesting to see how people react to the rollout of this innovative, new product.  I know many have called for more competition with DJI. I believe this product introduction will only help the industry.

https://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/202011/20-091E/, Retrieved on 2/21/21

https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/sony-unveils-smallest-class-of-drone-capable-of-carrying-alpha-camera-system-2021-01-12, Retrieved on 2/21/21