Question & AnswerQ&A (CAAP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 21-14)
A Large UAV is defined as any of the following: an unmanned airship with an envelope capacity greater than 100 cubic meters; an unmanned powered parachute with a launch mass greater than 150 kilograms; an unmanned airplane with a launch mass greater than 150 kilograms; an unmanned rotorcraft with a launch mass greater than 100 kilograms; or an unmanned powered lift device with a launch mass greater than 100 kilograms.
A Certified UAV Controller is a person certified under Subpart 11.11.1.7 as a controller of UAVs, meaning they are officially recognized by the Authority to perform UAV controlling functions.
Subpart 11.11 applies to the operation of large UAVs and the operation of small UAVs for purposes other than sport or recreation.
A person shall not operate a UAV within 30 meters of a person not directly associated with the UAV operation, except if the person is behind the UAV during takeoff or if the UAV airship approaches no closer than 10 meters horizontally and 30 feet vertically.
No person may operate a large UAV unless a special certificate of airworthiness (restricted category) or an experimental certificate has been issued in accordance with PCAR Part 5, and Authority approval has been obtained.
A person must hold a UAV operator's certificate authorizing them to operate the UAV legally for hire or reward.
An individual must qualify for a radio operator's certificate of proficiency; have passed aviation license theory exams including instrument rating theory; completed training on the UAV type to be operated; have at least five hours experience operating UAVs outside controlled airspace; and hold a flight crew license with command instrument rating, equivalent military qualification, or air traffic control license or its equivalent.
Conditions may include limiting the types of UAVs controlled, restricting operational areas, allowing control only in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), and requiring holding an aircraft radiotelephone operator's certificate of proficiency to operate in controlled airspace.
Yes, the Authority can suspend or cancel certification for safety reasons, regulatory violations, or upon the holder’s written request. Suspension pending cancellation lasts up to 90 days unless dealt with earlier.
UAVs not certificated as UAVs must not operate over populous areas below a height from which any component failure would still clear the area, and certificated UAVs require Authority approval to operate over populous areas at heights ensuring safety.
Operators must hold an aircraft radiotelephone operator's certificate of proficiency, maintain a listening watch on specified frequencies, and make required broadcasts at specified intervals with specified information.