[NSRCA-discussion] FAA and Model Aircraft

[Keith Hoard]

So you're going to count UAS hours toward you Commercial (full scale) Pilot's license?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 7, 2014, at 15:36, "Scott McHarg" <scmcharg at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Being a UAS pilot for Texas A&M, I have a bit of insight into the UAS "Commercial/Civilian" program.  Right now, the FAA has issued several universities, including Texas A&M, a CoA (Certificate of Authorization) and/or an exemption.  The current CoA provides Texas A&M the ability to contract myself as a pilot as long as I have a Class 3 medical and have taken the written (Knowledge Test).  This current CoA expires this year and allows us to fly up to 400 AGL and WVR (within visual range) aka fly as an R/C plane.  The new CoA will require us as pilots to have our PPL and then will allow us to fly up to 17.999 MSL in VFR conditions and BVR (beyond visual range).  This IS the program that will help the FAA decide on future rules for UAS activity and why we are being issued CoA's.
> 
> In the process of getting my PPL, I became slightly concerned about how the CoA will affect us as pilots.  PPL holders cannot accept payment for flights and may not pay less than a pro-rata share of expenses to operate the aircraft.  We, as pilots, are compensated for the flights.  According to the rules, this contradicts the FAA rules and the CoA and FAA are now in conflict.  I decided to call the FAA in Houston to get the "official" answer.  I spoke to Jeff Riff, head of UAS activity in HOU, and explained my issues with what was going on.  I asked, A.) How is it OK that I get paid to do this under the CoA with my PPL and B.) Since the CoA requires my PPL, do I get to log the hours I fly the UAS.  His answer was...."You can accept payment but you cannot log the hours....yet.  You can accept payment because, at this time, the FAA does not consider an UAS an airplane.  You cannot log your flight hours as PIC or under your PPL because the FAA does not consider an UAS an airplane."
> 
> What's the whole point to this??  The programs that are being instituted throughout the country are to help the FAA decide how to moderate the UAS category as well as what will define an UAS in the future.  Based on our conversations, I would say the FAA is 3-6 years away from making these determinations.  I am very confident, however, that we as R/C fliers, worry a little too much.  The FAA recognizes our group via the AMA and has given these responsibilities to the AMA.  From my conversations and, of course, being involved with the FAA in regards to this program, we don't need to worry too much but should certainly be vigilant as to what is going on.  Mr. Riff told me that he would recommend keeping my flight hours logged in a separate book because he feels that within the next 3-6 years that I would be able to log UAS hours under my PPL.  If I ever need to get my commercial license to comply, I will certainly need those hours to count!
> 
> Since the FAA does not consider UAS ships an aircraft...at least yet....they don't have much of a leg to stand on.
> 
> Best Regards,
> Scott McHarg
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Mar 7, 2014 at 2:16 PM, David Harmon <k6xyz at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> That’s what I immediately thought as well….
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>> David Harmon
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>> Sperry, OK
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>> From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Larry Diamond
>> Sent: Friday, March 7, 2014 12:28 PM
>> 
>> 
>> To: NSRCA Discussion
>> Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] FAA and Model Aircraft
>>  
>> 
>> I expect things are about to change regarding regulation of commercial drones and model aircraft.
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>> It will be interesting to see how this plays out...
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>> This is a loss for the FAA and model aircraft hobbyist and a big win for the commercial industry, which will get tightened up with new quick regs, I would imagine.
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>> Only my opinion, I could be wrong...
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>> Must Read...
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>> http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/03/07/judge-dismisses-faa-fine-against-small-drone-user/?intcmp=latestnews
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>> 
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> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Scott A. McHarg
> Sr. Systems Engineer - Infrastructure
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