Category Archives: Drones

GoPro to end Karma drone product #GoPro #Drone #Drones

GroPro says that regulations in the U.S. and Europe are “hostile” to the drone business, without offering an  explanation. GoPro is getting out of the drone business.

Here is a survey of regulations in Europe, including Russia range from hostile to drone usage to straight forward, depending on the country. Some countries require a commercial license if the drone takes any pictures at all, for example, and Sweden bans all photography from drones over everything except private property. Some countries require a pilot’s license or commercial pilot’s license (not a US Part 107 drone certificate but an actual pilot’s license, including passage of a medical exam) for any commercial use, which may include merely taking photos. Some countries require registering your drone, even if for hobby use, with a government agency (and paying fees), while some requiring filing a flight plan with the aviation authorities prior to each flight.

There are efforts underway to establish an EU-wide drone regulation framework so that the rules would be consistent throughout the EU.

South Africa has strict regulations as well.

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Leaked FAA Document hints at limited drone regulations

Leaked FAA Document Provides Glimpse Into Drone Regulations – Forbes.

Some restrictions, and operators would need to pass an FAA written exam only, to obtain unmanned aerial systems certification and to operate UAS craft pursuant to a new Part 107 of the FAA regulations. The written test would be based on the content of the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM) plus additional content regarding UAS.  Currently certified pilots of manned aircraft would also need to take the UAS certification exam, but it is expected this would require minimal study due to their knowledge of aviation.  UAS operators would also need to pass a security threat assessment by the TSA (required of all pilots already). Once that is done, the UAS pilot would receive a unmanned pilot’s certificate with UAS endorsement. For commercial use, an UAS craft would also require an FAA registration number ($5 fee).

The exam could be given by a designated pilot examiner, a certificated flight instructor, or others designated by the FAA. Examination would be required every 2 years.

Total estimated costs for the initial certification are estimated by the FAA at about $300 including exam fees and TSA threat assessment.