AOPA is seeking FAA permission to operate a commercial unmanned aircraft, primarily for aerial photography and video. In its “Petition for Exemption Concerning Commercial Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pursuant to Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012,” filed Feb. 19, AOPA seeks permission to operate a DJI Inspire 1 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under very specific conditions and limitations.
The Inspire 1 is a small quadcopter with an empty weight of approximately 6.5 pounds and a maximum airspeed of approximately 42.8 knots.
“Our petition is similar to others that have been granted by the FAA,” said Jared Allen, an attorney for AOPA. He added that the association plans to operate the UAS conservatively, with only certificated pilots acting as PIC and policies in place to ensure proper preflight checks and other safety measures.
In its petition, AOPA notes that the aircraft will be used to highlight and encourage the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace system, further AOPA’s safety and education programs, and support activities that promote the long-term health of general aviation.
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