SMAC125 Remote Pilot Certificate Explained


Preflight Checklist:

RyanJWallaceWe are at Lakeland Linder Airport at Polk State College with Dr. Ryan Wallace to discuss the new Remote Pilot Certificate.

Cruise Flight:

  • FAA estimates that there will be 7 million UAS by 2020, including commercial and recreational use.
  • The FAA estimates about 100 incidents per month involving a visual sighting of unmanned aircraft systems by pilots. These are not necessarily collisions, near misses, or other problems, just sighting which could potentially be a problem.
  • UAS are allowing for faster, safer, more economical missions and services.
  • Those with a pilot’s certificate have a relatively easy transition to obtaining the Remote Pilot Operator Certificate. So anyone holding any certificate other than a student is eligible to apply for a job in this area.
  • Although anyone may earn a Remote Pilot Certificate, those with an existing pilot’s certificate (excluding student pilot certificate) have a relatively easy transition to obtaining the newly-created sUAS Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • A UAS is an overall system, as opposed to just a model aircraft. The difference is what you use the plane for.
  • Videography, hurricane and weather observance, law enforcement, etc. The applications are only limited by the imagination of the designers.
  • Part 333 FAA Modernization Act of 2012, new small UAS regulations.
  • New, less restrictive rules for UAS education rules.
  • Part 107 Fly for Hire rules including the new Part 107 SUAS Remote Pilot Certificate.
  • Why you should consider becoming a UAS Pilot.
  • FAA Summary of Unmanned Aircraft Rule (Part 107)
  • FAA Advisory Circular on Small Unmanned Aviation Systems (sUAS)
  • The Rebirth Of Aviation” – Article
  • FAASafety.gov
  • Part 107 sUAS Course Link.

After Landing Checklist:

~Picks of the Week~

No picks of the week this episode, as this is an interview show.