The information below regarding the sUAS regulation (also known as Part 107) is from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sUAS. Productions must ensure that potential sUAS vendors adhere to the requirements of Part 107.
Per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) weighing under 55 pounds, sometimes called a drone, is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard – instead, the sUAS is controlled remotely from an operator on the ground.
When you fly a drone in the United States, it is your responsibility to understand and abide by the rules.
For commercial purposes, the FAA requires Remote Pilots to fly under Part 107. To become a Remote Pilot, they must pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center; and undergo Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) security screening. Once the certification is obtained, the following are the provisions for flying under Part 107:
- Small unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 55 pounds, including payload, at takeoff unless an FAA exemption has been obtained.
- sUAS vendor must utilize the (LAANC) Low Altitude Authorization & Notification Capability automated airspace approval system
- When utilizing “FPV” (first person view), the vendor must have a visual observer keep a line of unaided sight on the drone
- Do not fly above 400ft (AGL) above ground level without an FAA exemption
- Do not fly within 5 miles of an airport without approval and notification to the control tower
- Do not fly a drone from a moving vehicle unless in a sparsely populated area or a waiver has been obtained
- Flying operations over people are sometimes allowed if certain conditions are met, e.g. it is a closed set, and everyone within the site has been notified. For more information regarding flying operations over people, consult Industry Safety Bulletin #36, Addendum A for more information
- Do not fly at night unless the pilot has completed an initial knowledge test or training, and the UAS is equipped with appropriate anti-collision lighting
Addition Production Safety Guidelines
- Hold a Safety meeting prior to flight with all pertinent Cast & Crew
- Maintain a 10 ft clearance from cast or crew while in flight (15 ft for minors)
- Designate an exclusion zone away from cast and crew
- Check with the pilot to determine if radio frequencies or electrical transmissions might interfere with the safe operation of the UAS
- (LA only DTLA) When working in downtown LA notify Hooper LAPD flight operations of planned drone use location
- Industry Safety Bulletin #36 and Addendum A (“Recommended Guidelines for Safely Working around Unmanned Aircraft Systems aka Drones”) should be attached to the call sheet
Resources:
CSATF Bulletin #36A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Rules & Regulations
Contact your Disney Production Safety Manager for additional assistance or call.
(818) 560-7391