1. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
FAA Guidelines and Regulations for the Model Aircraft Pilot

2. Important Information
Exits
Restrooms
Emergency Evacuation
Breaks
Sponsor Acknowledgement
Mute Cell Phones & Pagers
Other Information
Cover all the logistics for the facility where the presentation is taking place. Acknowledge the event Sponsor. Have attendees mute their cell phones.
Presentation Note: Here’s where you can discuss venue logistics, acknowledge sponsors, and deliver other information you want your audience to know in the beginning.
You can add slides after this one to fit your situation.
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3. Objectives What is a UAS? FAA Authority
Model Aircraft (UAS) Operations
What Regulation Dictates Registration of Small UAS?
Major Provisions of 14 CFR Part 48
Registration of Small UAS
Educational Efforts
Points to Remember
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4. What is a UAS? Unmanned Aircraft (UA) are Aircraft
Model Aircraft
Drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS)
UAS are defined as a system
They are made up of the unmanned aircraft, remote controlling device, and the pilot
We have all heard the following terms: Model Aircraft, Drones, UA, UAV, Remotely Piloted Aircraft, Quadcopter, etc. The FAA considers all of these as aircraft. Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems or sUAS, at a minimum, consist of the unmanned aircraft, the remote controlling device and the pilot. The FAA has broken the sUAS into two groups. Model Aircraft covers the Recreational/Hobbyist sUAS and Non-Model Aircraft covers the 14 CFR part 107 Commercial Aircraft Operations. Part 107 will not be covered in this presentation.
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5. FAA Authority U.S. airspace is public space
49 U.S.C. §40102(a)(1)
UAS are aircraft subject to regulation
49 U.S.C. §40102(a)(6); 14 CFR 1.1; PL §331, §336
An aircraft is any device used for flight.
UAS must comply with regulations that apply to all aircraft
Some state and local laws may impact UAS
The FAA has exclusive authority to manage the airspace and civil aircraft operations. This is codified in congressional law. This includes UAS, model aircraft, from the surface to the edge of space.
There are several regulations that state “no person may operate an aircraft unless…” So there are enforceable rules UAS must follow.
There are state or local restrictions that do impact some UAS operations. Like the TV man used to say “Check local listings”
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6. Model Aircraft / UAS Model aircraft are considered sUAS
Model aircraft operations are for hobby or recreational purposes only.
The recreational community has changed as aircraft have become more accessible – in the past, model aircraft enthusiasts would build and fly their aircraft. Today, it is easy to visit a hobby shop or go online to purchase a highly advanced piece of technology which requires no aviation knowledge or experience.
While many traditional model aircraft operators do follow the guidelines established by the FAA and promoted by national or local branches of a recreational club, many of these new users are unfamiliar with these guidelines, and are more likely to create safety risks.
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7. Model Aircraft Operations
PL Section 336 states that in order to be considered a model aircraft the operator must:
Fly for hobby/recreation only
Operate in accordance with a community based organization’s safety guidelines
Give way to manned aircraft at all times
Notify the airport and control tower if flying within 5 miles of the airport
For additional guidance, please visit and
Section 336 has operating restrictions to be a modeler. It requires that the aircraft be:
Flown strictly for hobby or recreational use.
Operated in accordance with a community based set of safety guidelines. An example of a community-based organization with a set of safety guidelines would be the Academy of Model Aeronautics; the AMA. They have a robust set of safety guidelines, and have been very active in safe operations for many decades.
Less that 55 pounds. That includes everything on the aircraft at takeoff. The exception: the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization;
Always yield right-of-way to manned aircraft – I can’t over emphasize this.
When flying within 5 statute miles of an airport, the operator of sUAS has to provide the airport operator and the air traffic control tower, if there is one, with prior notice of the operation.
If you’re flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport, it’s a good idea to establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower.
For additional guidance, please visit and
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8. Interpretive Rule
FAA published guidance in June 2014 after incidents involving reckless use of unmanned model aircraft near airports and large crowds of people
This guidance clarifies that:
Model aircraft must satisfy the criteria in the Public Law to qualify as model aircraft and to be exempt from future FAA rulemaking action
Consistent with the law, if model aircraft operators endanger the safety of the NAS, the FAA has the authority to take enforcement action against those operators for safety violations
Not a new regulation – interpreting the language of section 336 so that everyone will have a common understanding of the law and existing rules
Strictly for hobby or recreation – no business or financial gain, or incidental to a business
Must notify ATC when flying within 5 miles of an airport with a tower
Flying over the objection of ATC or airport operators may be considered endangering the safety of the NAS
FAA expects modelers to know the FAA’s existing safety regulations – intended to prevent endangerment to safety
Does not limit the FAA’s authority to take enforcement action against those who endanger the safety of the NAS
FAA will investigate reported incidents and determine if enforcement is necessary
Goal to make sure operators are given standard information on how to comply with regulations
Full Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft can also be found on the FAA’s UAS Integration website –
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9. Registration of your Small UAS
Under current law, 49 U.S. Code § 44103, all aircraft are required to be registered prior to operation outdoors
Public Law defines UAS as “aircraft” and thus requires registration
Let’s take a look at the registration process
Explain that 14 CFR part 48 are the Federal Aviation Regulations.
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10. Registration Go to the website: https://registermyuas.faa.gov
For the Recreational/Hobbyist or Model Aircraft sUAS pilot, when you register, you are registering yourself not the sUAS. Once you are registered you can add any number and type of sUASs in your profile. You will mark each of your sUAS vehicles with your unique registration number.
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11. Registration
Create an account if you are a new user. Enter the information requested and click Create Account.
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12. Registration Check your email to verify your account then continue.
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13. For Model aircraft registration click on the Model Aircraft button.
Starting March 31st, owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for commercial, public and other non-model aircraft operations will be able to use the FAA’s new, streamlined, web-based registration process to register their aircraft. The web-based process will significantly speed up registration for a variety of commercial, public use and other users.
Use of the small UAS for commercial, public and other uses as Non-Model Aircraft, the FAA is encouraging new owners who are registering for the first time to use the new, web-based registration system. Owners who register under the new system can easily access the records for all of the aircraft they have registered by logging into their on-line account. Small UAS owners who have registered under the web-based system who intend to use their aircraft for purposes other than as model aircraft will also need to re-register to provide aircraft specific information.
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14. Registration
Fill in the required profile information. Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the screen.
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15. Registration
Read, understand and acknowledge the safety information and click next.
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16. Registration
Submit payment information and click next.
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17. Registration
Review your order and click on the Pay button.
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18. Registration
Congratulations you have registered your sUAS! Put your registration number on your sUAS. If there is no suitable location on the outside of your sUAS then it is acceptable to put the number in a battery compartment if it is accessible with out the use of tools.
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19. Registration Registration markings in the battery compartment.
Marking and Operating your UAS before you fly
Q45. Will my drone require an N-number or sticker?
A. No. You will receive a unique registration number, not an N-number, and you must mark the registration number on your UAS by some means that is legible and allows the number to be readily seen. The registration number may be placed in a battery compartment as long as it can be accessed without the use of tools.
Registration markings in the battery compartment.
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20. Registration
Print out the registration certificate and carry it with you any time you are operating your sUAS.
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21. Current Safety Concerns – Unsafe UAS Operations
Reports from pilots in flight of UAS operations near airports/manned aircraft
Greater awareness has led to increased reporting
Detailed reports enable the FAA to investigate if necessary
Reports of UAS flying during sporting events
TFR FDC NOTAM 4/3621 issued to restrict all aircraft operations around major sporting events, stadiums seating 30,000 people
TFR specifically cites UAS as aircraft
Reports of UAS flying over wildfires
TFRs around West Coast wildfires restrict UAS operations
Due to more sUAS flights, and better reporting, near mid-air collisions and incidents have come to the forefront of aviation safety. It reveals the increased risk sUAS present to the National Airspace System and the need for careful integration.
At the beginning of football season, there was a rash of sUAS flying over football games. These flights present very serious safety and security concerns. Law enforcement agencies and the FAA are working together to prevent and if needed, respond to sUAS flights inside sporting event Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs). Violators are subject to criminal and civil penalties.
No Drone Zone campaign started during last year’s Super Bowl – we’ll discuss this a little later.
Model aircraft, sUAS and helicopters all operate in generally the same lower region of our airspace. The FAA is trying to inform each group of the potential conflicts that could and have occurred. These conflicts impact safety and effective operations.
The 2015 Fire Season had several instances where fire suppression operations were suspended due to unauthorized sUAS operations in the fire fighting TFR.
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22. Education, Compliance and Enforcement
FAA’s primary approach to new UAS operators is education
FAA has authority to take enforcement action against any persons who operate a UAS:
In violation of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
In a manner that endangers the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) or people and property on the ground
Enforcement could include:
FAA civil penalties and/or subject to local statutes
In line with the new Compliance Philosophy the FAA has been reaching out to the public to inform all that UAS is an aviation industry and must act accordingly with regard to aviation safety rules.
So, if someone does violate any CFRs, or if they endanger the NAS or people and property on the ground or in the air while flying their sUAS, they could be subject to enforcement from the FAA.
That could result in a warning notice, a letter of correction, certificate action, or even a civil penalty.
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23. Know Before You Fly Campaign
Provides prospective UAS users with information and guidance to fly safely and responsibly
Founding members: Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the Small UAV Coalition
FAA reached voluntary agreements with UAS manufacturers to include guidance materials in packaging
DJI, Parrot and Yuneec Electrical Aviation
Know Before You Fly is an education campaign founded by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), and the Small UAV Coalition in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to educate prospective users about the safe and responsible operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
As excitement and enthusiasm continues to grow around sUAS, and the regulatory framework continues to take shape, more consumers are looking to buy sUAS for personal use. These prospective operators want to fly, and fly safely, but many don’t realize that, just because you can buy a sUAS, doesn’t mean you can fly it anywhere, or for any purpose. Know Before You Fly provides prospective users with the information and guidance they need to fly safely and responsibly.
Supporters include: AOPA, Airlines for America, ASA, CEA, EAA, Futaba, Hobbico, Horizon Hobby, National Association of Realtors, NBAA
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24. B4UFLY Mobile App
Designed to provide model aircraft situational awareness of any restrictions or requirements prior to flight
iOS and Android versions now available
Key features of the B4UFLY app include:
A clear "status" indicator that immediately informs the operator about the current or planned location.
Information on the parameters that drive the status indicator
A "Planner Mode" for future flights in different locations
Informative, interactive maps with filtering options
Links to other FAA UAS resources and regulatory information
The B4UFLY app, aimed primarily at model aircraft enthusiasts, is designed to give users information about restrictions or requirements in effect at their current or planned flight location.
Many unmanned aircraft users today have little or no aviation experience, and some of them are flying where they could endanger manned aircraft. B4UFLY will give these flyers the tools and knowledge they need to operate safely.
Key features of the B4UFLY app include:
A clear “status” indicator that immediately informs operators about their current or planned location.
Information on the parameters that drive the status indicator.
A “Planner Mode” for future flights in different locations.
Informative, interactive maps with filtering options.
Links to other FAA UAS resources and regulatory information.
Screenshots of the app are available at 
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25. No Drone Zone Campaign
Education campaign to inform people where they cannot fly
No Drone Zones include:
DC Flight Restricted Zone
Wildfires
Super Bowl
Papal Visit
Other DC Events
Tied directly with TFRs
Show up on B4UFly
Digital toolkit of outreach materials available to partners
Federal rules prohibit any aircraft from operating in the Flight Restricted Zone around our nation's capital without specific approval, which includes all unmanned aircraft.
The FAA is making outreach materials available through a digital toolkit. These materials are offered to federal, state, and other local partners around the National Capital Region to ensure that residents and tourists all understand that operating an unmanned aircraft in this area for any purpose is against the law. 
FAA use of No Drone Zone is tied to Temporary Flight Restrictions (i.e. the Super Bowl, DC, the Papal Visit)
Other uses of No Drone Zone (e.g. local municipalities) may be tied to local ordinances or restrictions (e.g. restrictions on takeoffs or landings in a certain location and calling it a No Drone Zone)
Violators face stiff fines and criminal penalties.
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26. Points to Remember Before Flying
Do a preflight inspection
Register your UAS before you fly outdoors
Fly below 400 feet
If you fly with a local club, fly according to your aero-modeling community based safety guidelines
Though not required, try to take lessons before
you fly
Fly within line-of-sight of your aircraft
Don’t fly near manned aircraft
Go over items on the slide.
UAS For The Model Aircraft Pilot
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27. Points to Remember Before Flying
Don’t fly within 5 miles of a towered airport without notifying ATC or the airport owner for a non-towered airport
Don’t fly near people, stadiums or emergency response efforts e.g. wildfires etc.
Don’t operate in a careless or reckless manner. You could be fined/jailed if you endanger people, property or other manned aircraft.
All aircraft share the same airspace
Go over items on the slide.
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28. Points to Remember Before Flying
All sUAS are to be flown for hobby or recreation only – no related business aspects unless authorized by the FAA
Be aware of FAA airspace requirements:
Never fly under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other impairment
Use the FAA B4UFly App or other industry apps to check on restricted airspace.
Go over items on the slide.
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29. Other Outreach http://www.faa.gov/uas
FAASafety.gov hosts the sUAS Hot Topic link on the home page. Multiple informational documents are available to you there.
Also Online at: faa.gov/uas/publications/model_aircraft_operators/
Change the poster
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30. Final Thoughts All UAS are aircraft
Unless authorized, UAS may only fly hobby or recreation use
All aircraft share the same airspace – you must communicate, avoid airspace conflicts, and maintain line-of-sight of your aircraft
The UAS operator is responsible for knowing the rules and flying safely – be aware of any requirements or restrictions BEFORE taking off
Questions – visit or ask the FAA
So, unmanned aircraft are legally aircraft, and subject to all the rules as aircraft.
If you want to operate as a model aircraft, under the provisions of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, it can only be for hobby or recreational purposes and you must maintain line of sight of your aircraft.
Make sure you notify the local tower and airport manager before you fly within 5 miles of an airport.
Make sure you operate in accordance with community-based safety guidelines (for example, the Academy of Model Aeronautics – AMA)
Since we’re all sharing the airspace, know who and where the regular users of the airspace operate. Reach out to various clubs and flying organizations; communicate; work and play well with others in the NAS.
If you go out in the internet looking for answers, you can find whatever answer you want, whether it’s right or not. Instead, ask us, or go to our website. We’re here to help.
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31. Report Unsafe sUAS Activity!
While flying or at the airport:
Report the sighting to Air Traffic Control
Report to ATC or FAA Safety Hotline ( ) or at
Note the location, altitude, and characteristics of the aircraft
Anywhere else:
Call local law enforcement
Report to FAA Safety Hotline ( ) or at
Be as detailed & specific as possible
Note the location, altitude, direction, pictures, videos, etc.
You can help us make things better for all the folks that want to fly UAS safely and responsibly.
If you see someone flying their UAS in a way that doesn’t look smart, it’s probably not legal. Please report it.
You can call the FAA at the Air Traffic Control safety hotline.
If it’s endangering you, or anyone else, dialing 911 is your best option.
It helps the FAA’s investigation to get as much detailed information as possible regarding the incident. Who, what, where, when, pictures, video etc.
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32. Questions?
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33. Addendum – Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 48
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34. 14 CFR PART 48—REGISTRATION AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
Subpart A—General
48.1 Applicability.
48.5 Compliance dates.
48.10 Definitions.
48.15 Requirement to register.
48.20 Eligibility for registration.
48.25 Applicants.
48.30 Fees.
14 CFR part 48 Subpart A covers the General information for applicability, requirements, and eligibility for registration.
Each of the regulations reference in this and the two following slides are hyperlinked to the appropriate part.
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35. PART 48—REGISTRATION AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
Subpart B—Certificates of Aircraft Registration for Small Unmanned Aircraft
Application.
Requirement to maintain current information.
Registration: Persons intending to use small unmanned aircraft for purposes other than as model aircraft.
Registration: Individuals intending to use the small unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft.
Invalid registration.
Foreign civil aircraft.
14 CFR Subpart B deals with the Registration Certificate requirements for currency, model aircraft use, invalid registrations etc.
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36. Subpart C—Aircraft Marking 48.200 General.
PART 48—REGISTRATION AND MARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL UNMANNED AIRCRAFT
Subpart C—Aircraft Marking
General.
Display and location of unique identifier.
14 CFR part 48 Subpart C discusses aircraft marking addresses the proper display and approved locations of the registration number.
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