Finally! If you are planning on using unmanned aircraft for your GIS data capture, you now have options!
There are two ways you may fly unmanned aircraft for commercial purposes, legally and within the National Airspace System (NAS).
- Obtain a waiver from the FAA. We can help; for more information (http://aerialdatasystems.com/uas-section333/).
- In about 12-18 months you will be able to take an Airmen Knowledge Test (AKT) to get certified. This was published within the recent NPRM. To ensure this goes the right way for the GIS community take the time to comment. For more information (http://aerialdatasystems.com/uas-training/).
The FAA recently released their UAS proposed rules. Personally I was pleasantly surprised and believe that they will, for the most part, work well for the GIS community. To find out more and comment on the new proposed rules, visit (http://aerialdatasystems.com/faa-uas-nprm/).
UPDATE:
It has been a few weeks since the outcome of HB115 and SB059 in Colorado. Fortunately the bill, SB059, was struck and did not make it to the senate floor. HB1115 was written in a technological agnostic way so as not to affect GIS work using UAS. So make a mark in the ‘W’ column for GIS.
Things are shaping up for GIS and UAS!
Joe Falconer MBA, CFI, CFII, MEI
CEO, Adjunct Professor, University of Denver
UAS for GIS Professionals
o 720.330.8320
c 720.626.5576
f 720.468.4137
Joe@AerialDataSystems.com
AerialDataSystems.com
(Mar. 10)