PRO-FLIGHTS HAS WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR
If you're looking for a highly professional business that offers
reliable and personalized customer service, then we hope you consider
doing business with PRO Flights.
When your searching for your vendor of choice, remember to ask
these important questions:
1. Is the UAV operator an FAA licensed sport or private pilot?
We get asked this one a lot!
The company (or individual
running the company) that holds the 333 exemption does not need to be
a licensed pilot, but the person actually flying the drone/UAV must
be.The licensed pilot can be either a company employee or independent
contractor, as long as he or she satisfies the qualifications
articulated in the 333 exemption guidelines.So what does being a
licensed pilot mean? It means you either have, at minimum, a sport or
recreational pilot license. You do not need to have a private pilot’s
license, but if you already do, that satisfies the requirement. You
could also have an airline transport or commercial license, but for
most that doesn’t apply unless you already have a career in aviation.
Here’s what the FAA says on their website: Under this grant of
exemption, a PIC (pilot in command) must hold either an airline
transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot
certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical
certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license issued by a state, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the
Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review
requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the
PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.
2. Does the company have an FAA Section 333 Exemption?
If a company is operating the UAV for commercial purposes they
must have a Section 333 Exemption from the FAA. This is a lengthy and
technical process and most amateur UAV operators don't go through this process.
3. Does the company have a $1M general liability policy to
protect you and your clients from potential damages?
Do you want to get stuck with paying for the damage done by an
inexperienced UAV operator? Make sure your vendor is a licensed
private pilot with at least a $1M Commercial General Liability
insurance Policy. Ask to see their certificate of insurance.
4. Does the company have a safety program in place including
PPE, Flight Logs and Pre/Post Flight procedures in place?
Probably the most overlooked and dangerous issue in both
manned and unmanned flight. A safety program should be a priority for
any vendor you choose. Many will say they do have a program, but make
sure to see their safety compliance operations manual as designated by
the FAA. It's also a great practice to operate the UAV wearing PPE
(personal protective equipment such as hi-visibility vest, proper
footwear, a first aid kit and spare parts available). The safety
manual should consist of pre/post flight procedures, mechanical
breakdown procedures and emergency situation procedures at the least.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR COMMON MYTHS ON UAV OPERATIONS
COMMON MYTHS-
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Fly smart, fly safe and fly professionally, PRO Flights.
