Law Summary
Scope and Applicability
- Applies to the operation of large UAVs and small UAVs used for purposes other than sport or recreation.
General Operational Rules
- UAVs must not be operated within 30 meters of uninvolved persons, with exceptions for takeoff position and specific airship conditions.
Operation Areas for Small UAVs
- Small UAVs must operate within approved areas or above 400 feet AGL with authority approval, avoiding populous areas.
Requirements for Large UAV Operation
- Operation restricted to UAVs holding a special certificate of airworthiness (restricted category) or experimental certificate as per PCAR Part 5.
Maintenance Regulations for Large UAVs
- Maintenance must comply with written directions from the aviation authority.
Certification Requirements for UAV Operators
- Operating UAVs for hire or reward requires a UAV operator's certificate.
Approval and Conditions for Large UAV Operations
- Large UAV operations require prior Authority approval with possible safety-related conditions including operational limits on time, weather, area, and communication.
- Operators must adhere strictly to any conditions imposed.
Restrictions on UAV Flights Over Populous Areas
- Non-certificated UAVs must not fly over populous areas below a safe failure clearance altitude.
- Certificated UAVs require Authority approval with safety considerations of redundancy, fail-safe features, and communication security.
Radiotelephone Use Requirements
- Control of UAVs in controlled airspace requires holding a radiotelephone operator's certificate, maintaining listening watches, and making regular broadcasts on specified frequencies.
- The Authority may impose individualized radiotelephone use directives for UAV controllers or specific UAV types.
Certification Process and Eligibility for UAV Controllers
- Application requires detailed personal qualifications, licenses, experience, UAV training completion.
- Only individuals meeting specified aviation qualifications and with experience in UAV operations outside controlled airspace are eligible.
- Conditions can be imposed to limit UAV types, operational areas, and weather conditions.
Validity, Suspension, and Cancellation of UAV Controller Certification
- Certification remains valid unless cancelled or suspended.
- Show cause procedure requires written notification, opportunity to respond, and potential suspension if safety risk is present.
- Cancellation occurs for violations including unsafe operation or recklessness.
- Certificates can be cancelled upon request of the holder.
Certification Process and Eligibility for UAV Operators
- Applications must detail organization, personnel qualifications, facilities, operating procedures, and proposed UAV operations.
- Must have appropriate structure, qualified personnel, and defined operational practices.
- Certification is not transferable and remains in force unless cancelled or suspended.
Conditions Imposed on UAV Operator Certification
- Must appoint a certified chief UAV controller and maintenance controller or equivalent arrangements.
- The chief controller must be full-time if multiple UAVs are operated.
- Conditions can restrict UAV types, purposes, areas, and weather conditions for operation.
Notification, Show Cause, and Cancellation Procedures for UAV Operators
- Authority may issue show cause notices for cancellation grounds, requiring written explanation within specified time.
- Suspensions can be imposed if serious risks exist and lapse if not addressed within 90 days.
- Cancellation follows consideration of representations and occurs where operators or employees violate regulations or endanger safety.
- Operators can request voluntary cancellation.
Effectivity
- Amendments take effect immediately upon publication and filing, superseding conflicting memoranda, regulations, and directives.