If you want to use an unmanned aerial system for your business or other commercial purpose, you will need to know how to get a Section 333 exemption from the FAA. The FAA requires that any aircraft operation (including UAS operations) in the national airspace (NAS) acquire pilot licensure and operational approval. Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (FMRA) grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to determine whether an airworthiness certificate is required for a UAS to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS).
This authority is being used to grant authorization for certain UAS to perform commercial operations prior to the finalization of Congress’ Small UAS Rule. The Section 333 exemption process provides operators a competitive advantage in the NAS to use UAS in the marketplace, thus discouraging illegal operations and improving safety. Once you know how to get a Section 333 exemption, you can obtain your Section 333 exemption and begin taking advantage of the economic benefits.
As recently as April 2015, the FAA announced that it had begun to use a “summary grant” process to speed up Section 333 approvals. With these procedures in place, the FAA continues to review each individual application, but will issue a summary grant where it finds that it has already granted a previous exemption similar to the new request.
It is important, however, that your application for Section 333 exemption be properly drafted. Contact your aviation attorneys at The Ison Law Group and we will discuss drafting an application for you. Call us toll-free at 855-LAW-1215.