https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/rulemaking/media/021515_sUAS_Summary.pdf

Looked at the overview and did not see anything about certificated pilots. As a pilot I have to get a flight review every two years (which includes reviewing aeronautical knowledge). It looks as if there is no requirement for an aviation medical certificate.

There will probably be some sort of test to receive an "unmanned aircraft operator certificate". Most likely with the UAV one wishes to use.



Regards,
Jerry

Finally some reasonable ideas being publicly released and formally supported by the FAA. These guidelines for UAS operation look fantastic. I don't think we could do much better than this. Of course the LOS restrictions will become invalid as technology marches on, but that's a bridge we'll cross in due time. Actually pretty excited to get my own official tail number!

i agree Nate, this looks very well thought out.

The big question was whether a full pilots license would be required, but the requirements for certification as they put it are very reasonable. Interested to know where i can find literature to start studying up.

I would start with Part 91 eCFR ? Code of Federal Regulations (http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=3efaad1b0a259d4e48f1150a34d1aa77&rgn=div5&view=text&node=14:2.0.1.3.10&idno=14)

This NPR looks to be much less draconian than they appeared to be originally proposing.

i agree Nate, this looks very well thought out.

The big question was whether a full pilots license would be required, but the requirements for certification as they put it are very reasonable. Interested to know where i can find literature to start studying up.

Doesn't look like it. From the FAA website:

"Under the proposed rule, the person actually flying a small UAS would be an “operator.” An operator would have to be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA UAS operator certificate. To maintain certification, the operator would have to pass the FAA knowledge tests every 24 months. A small UAS operator would not need any further private pilot certifications (i.e., a private pilot license or medical rating)."

Press Release ? DOT and FAA Propose New Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (http://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=18295)

I'm okay with all but the line of sight rule. Technology on many UAV's has already surpassed LOS necessity.It renders GPS track following and FPV features as useless under the proposed rules. They are going to have open comment sessions in several cities, so it would be good to voice opinion on the line of sight rule.

-gb-

I'm excited because we're hoping to use our quadcopter for aerial photography this summer. We live in a very rural/farming area and doing field checks for farmers *could* be a nice non-wedding business.

I'm curious about the line of site requirement, too, but unless safety features improve and standardize, I guess I understand.

Sounds much easier now.
Now, when will this all take effect?
When can I get the UAS Op certificate?

Right now these are proposed. Things could happen to change them before they become final. We have around 12 months or so before they are in force and the certificate system in place.