The final rules requiring remote identification of drones and allowing flights over people, over moving vehicles, and at night under certain conditions went into effect on April 21, 2021. But before you take advantage of the new rules, make sure you meet all the requirements to make these drone flights.
For flights over people and over moving vehicles, you need to make sure your drone meets requirements, as outlined in detail by the FAA. Beyond meeting the requirements, no training is needed.
For flights at night, drones must have active anti-collision lighting visible for at least three statute miles with a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. Additionally, you will need to complete online training from the FAA. See details below on how you can take this training free of charge from the FAA.
From the FAA:
The final rule updates the initial Remote Pilot knowledge test to include an operation at night knowledge area. Additionally, the final rule replaces the requirement to complete an in-person recurrent test every 24 calendar months. The updated requirement is for remote pilots to complete online recurrent training which will include an operation at night knowledge area. The online recurrent training will be offered free of charge to remote pilots beginning April 6, 2021.
There are multiple training options, depending on your current status:
- If you do not hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate you must:
- Take the UAS Initial Aeronautical Knowledge Test
- Knowledge tests may be scheduled on the Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) website and there is a fee associated
- Current Part 61 certificate holders:
- Take the Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initial (ALC-451) online course
- Available on the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website for no cost
- Part 107 remote pilots who are also certificated and current under Part 61:
- Take the Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Recurrent (ALC -515) online course
- Available on the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website for no cost
- All individuals who hold a Part 107 remote pilot certificate (regardless of currency):
- Take the Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent Non-Part 61 Pilots (ALC-677) online course
Available on the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website for no cost