Recently, we got our hands on some documents that suggest the FAA might have some exciting news.  Soon, it may be possible to apply for a waiver to grants permission to fly over people. Currently, the FAA Part 107.39 regulation prohibits any drone pilot from operating over human beings.

At the moment, we don’t know what the waiver application process will look like.  However, this document outlines which drones will qualify for a waiver to fly over people.  Today, we discuss the types of drones listed by the FAA and talk about the effects this could have in the drone industry.

Thanks for listening and for your continued support!  Fly safe!

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Timestamps

• [00:36] Today we discuss an exciting development which might soon make it possible to apply for a waiver to fly over people
• [01:13] Paul reads out excerpts from the FAA document which details what you need to do in order to get a waiver to fly over people
• [03:15] Which are the five categories for which you can get waivers to fly over people?
• [03:32] What are the details of the First category waiver? We discuss the possibility of a home-built drone satisfying the requirements of Category One
• [06:25] We go over the requirements of a Category Two waiver
• [06:58] Will you need prop cages instead of prop cages in order to get a waiver?
• [07:35] We attempt to explain the meaning of “transferring 11 foot pounds of kinetic energy to a human being”
• [07:57] Paul and Vic discuss the Virginia Tech Study: “Ranges of Injury Risk Associated with Impact from Unmanned Aircraft Systems”
• [09:19] Would a Mavic Pro with prop cages meet the requirements of category B?
• [10:43] What are the requirements for getting a waiver under Category C? Can you fly over concert venues under this category?
• [13:29] Would a Phantom meet the requirements of a Category C waiver?
• [15:50] We debate the inclusion of “enhanced aeronautical knowledge and experience”, a requirement for Category C
• [18:54] Vic explains why he is against have a practical test for Part 107
• [19:31] Would you need a Visual observer if you get a waiver under Category C?
• [20:13] Discussing the permissiblity of drones to fly over motion picture sets and the abolishment of Motion Picture And Television Flight Operations Manual (MPTOM)
• [20:48] Discussing the possibility of filming “sports or live entertainment events where the public is already restricted from operational areas”
• [21:13] Reading out excerpts of Category Four and discussing it’s requirements
• [23:09] Discussing the possibility that drone manufacturer’s will come up with self-certified drones which fulfill the requirements of a waiver
• [24:50] Interpreting the exemptions under Part 107.39; we discuss the possibility of flying over people in emergency situations
• [27:13] We read out the instances where the exemptions under Part 107.39 will apply
• [29:00] Are waivers for flying over people kicking in anytime soon? We discuss the likelihood of these coming into force by the end of the year
• [32:26] Would it be possible to get a Category 1 waiver for a DJI Spark, and hence fly over people?
• [35:59] Paul shares details for Vic’s forthcoming Photography classes; do not forget to check out the amazing “Light painting class”