The FAA’s September 26 approval of a half dozen exemptions for some TV and film production companies to operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) stopped just short of complete approval of those operations in the national airspace system. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the UAS to be used in the proposed operations do not need an FAA-issued certificate of airworthiness because they do not pose a threat to national airspace users or national security. These exemptions are permitted under Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, according to an FAA news release issued on September 26.

The agency granted exemptions from regulations that address general flight rules, pilot certificate requirements, manuals, maintenance and equipment mandates by showing that these specific UAS operations would not adversely affect safety and would provide at least an equal level of safety.

UAS operators in the film industry will have to hold private pilot certificates, keep the UAS within line of sight at all times and restrict flights to the “sterile area” on the set. The FAA accepted these conditions, while adding the requirement for an inspection of the aircraft before each flight, and prohibiting operations at night. The companies are also required to file timely reports of any accident or incident.