Why you should consider Old Abe Aviation for your drone flying needs:
Using drones in your business, even small drones often used by hobbyists, will require a “remote pilot” license and a registered drone.
If you just want to fly for fun consider the following: Congress has issued new guidance to the FAA as of October 5, 2018. The FAA has now provided guidance to pilots on the implementation of the new rules. Some of the formal rules for licensed drone pilots now apply to recreational flyers as well.
All drones must be registered, in one form or another, except for “toys” less than 0.55 pounds. You must also label your drone.
Business use of drones is covered by FAA regulation Part 107 and requires a license. Recreational flying has been covered by regulations under several labels. Most recently under US Code Section 44809. This is known as the exception for limited recreation operations, for which Old Abe has coined the acronym, ELRO. Recreational flying will now require passing a test. A lesser understood fact is that flying for non-commercial purposes may also be done under Part 107. There are subtle reasons why some people may prefer this. Whether you fly for business or for fun you could be subject to FAA enforcement action if you do not operate according to the rules.
Whether your flying is commercial or recreational, we can help you get the license and other information you need. If your flying is only recreational, you may want to get a Part 107 license just to have the extra confidence to fly your drone and then later be able to market yourself as a licensed drone pilot. Old Abe Aviation can guide you through the training.
More reasons to consider Old Abe Aviation for your drone flying needs:
While small drones under 55 pounds have less regulations than larger unmanned and manned aircraft, there are rules that govern large aircraft that the drone operator is still responsible to know. And while it is true that you can try to teach yourself by navigating the FAA website, and taking the test for the license on your own at an approved testing center, this can take precious time from employees that have other areas to focus on. This approach is usually not practical for someone who needs a drone license as a tool for their primary responsibilities, which may be anything from agricultural surveying to law enforcement. Would it be better to try to decipher the huge volumes of information in FAA regulations yourself, or to have it done by an instructor with 40 years of experience flying aircraft from primary trainers to commercial airliners, and has trained other pilots to do the same?
It is also possible to find a license preparation vendor that “teaches the test” with little background information. Given the exposure to FAA enforcement action that could suspend a license, do you really want to risk delays to your projects when your drone operator is grounded because the operator just knew barely enough to pass the test with little context of how the National Airspace System works?
The good news is that regulations you need to know are not so overwhelming that it makes drone operations too much hassle to add significant value to your product. Drone use is exploding and businesses that use drones have the advantage over the competition. Old Abe can efficiently train pilots, and assist companies to get their drones off the ground with confidence for sustained operations. Old Abe believes a drone pilot in your organization should have the same training you would give employees in any other safety critical department. If 100% self study does not fit your project, Old Abe Aviation will provide whatever level of service best fits your needs.