small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

The information below regarding the sUAS regulation (also known as Part 107) is from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sUAS website.  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, a person must be at least 16 years old; 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Do not fly directly over cast or crew unless directly participating in the operation
  •  A Night waiver must be provided for filming after sunset

Addition Production Safety Guidelines

  • Hold a Safety meeting prior to flight with all pertinent Cast & Crew
  • Maintain a 10ft clearance from cast or crew while in flight (15ft for minors)
  • Designate an “LZ” landing zone away from cast and crew
  • Limit “RF” radio frequency use during flight ops to reduce risk of drone control failure
  • (LA only DTLA) When working in downtown LA notify Hooper LAPD flight operations of planned drone use location
  • Safety Bulletin #36 recommended guidelines for safely working around drones should be attached to the call sheet
  • https://www.csatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/36UAS_11012017.pdf

Contact your Disney Production Safety Manager for additional assistance or call.

(818) 560-7391.