FORT BENNING, Ga., (Feb. 3 2016) -- As drone usage and sales rise, there is more need for clarification on the classifications of unmanned aircraft systems, dos and don'ts of recreational flying and requirements for registration.
The sales numbers for drones, or unmanned radio controlled model aircraft, are still being calculated from the holiday season but sales were expected to rise more than 60 percent, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.
The increase in sales and popularity has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to now require registration and specific approval for most commercially sold unmanned aerial systems.
The FAA defines a UAS as aircraft of any size without a pilot onboard. The FAA further separates these aircraft into three sub-categories: public, civil and model aircraft or hobbyist. "Working with UAS, one of the biggest issues found would be figuring out what type category the individual UAS operation falls into," said Rick Ivey, installation airfield manager at Lawson Army Airfield. "The Federal Aviation Administration's website, http://www.faa.gov/uas/ is a great starting point for these questions."
According to the FAA, to be considered a model or hobbyist, the aircraft must meet certain requirements.
The main requirements are weighing less than 55 pounds and must be flown strictly for personal use.
"Most users on Fort Benning that purchased a UAS off the shelf at the PX or other off post stores would fall under the RC-hobbyist rules, in other words the use would be for their own enjoyment and recreation," Ivey explained. "We get into trouble (when) trying to walk the fence between categories, (I) cannot call myself a hobbyist while taking video for profit."
As of Dec. 14, 2015, model aircraft purchased before Dec. 21, are required to register with the FAA. Aircraft can be registered with the FAA at https://registermyuas.faa.gov. The deadline for registration is Feb. 19, but beware: Failure to register could result in a penalty.
According to the FAA website, "Failure to register an aircraft may result in regulatory and criminal sanctions. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years." Aircraft purchased after the prescribed date must be registered prior to flying outdoors.
Once an aircraft is registered, users must follow certain guidelines for safety in the air. Ivey outlined several, "Some of the guidelines that come with the hobbyist user are:
• Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles.
• Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times.
• Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations.
• Don't fly within five miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying.
• Don't fly near people or stadiums.
• Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 pounds.
• Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft - you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft."
Col. Andrew Hilmes, garrison commander, released a policy memorandum in January to further clarify use of UASs on the installation. The biggest difference between operating on post versus off post would be pictures.
"One of the differences would be sensitivities to operations on post with antiterrorism and force protection concerns compared to the local economy. This is covered in the Policy Memorandum about posting pictures on social media or other venues of open source information," Ivey said.
Other concerns for those flying on post is low-flying manned aircraft and Lawson Army Airfield's close proximity to Main Post.
"Additionally, as a hobbyist you must take into consideration that the airspace over the Fort Benning main cantonment area lies under FAA regulated "Class D" airspace. What does that mean to the RC/hobbyist? You have an airport within five (nautical miles) of the majority of post, and the added responsibility of coordination by the operator with the airport," outlined Ivey.
For many of those left with questions and concerns, Ivey said, "The best one stop shopping for information about general use of UAS is through the FAA. Another useful website is http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/. Guidance for those on Fort Benning starts with the Policy Memorandum followed up with a phone call to me at the airfield. Approvals to fly on the installation for RC and hobbyist are on a case-by-case basis, depending on what, when, and where you are flying."
Ivey can be reached at 706-545-1357.
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