Last week NAAA submitted comments on Overwatch Aero LLC’s petition for relief from specific parts of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) 14 CFR § 61 and 91 to operate drones heavier than 55 pounds outside of TFRs and beyond active emergency flights. Because the drones are heavier than 55 pounds, they do not operate under FAR Part 107—regulations for commercial drones under that weight. Overwatch Aero had to request relief from the FAA to be exempt from parts of FAR Part 107 to operate. While requests from drone companies for relief have become routine, NAAA continues to comment against parts of the requests it believes make the airspace less safe for low-altitude manned aircraft.
NAAA’s comments oppose requests for exemptions dealing with airworthiness and maintenance and reiterated that the requirements for heavy drones outside of FAR Part 107 should be identical to those of manned aircraft. NAAA’s comments may be viewed here. If you would like to view the petition for relief, click here.
 14 CFR
§ 61 and 91 to operate drones heavier than 55 pounds outside of TFRs
and beyond active emergency flights. While requests from drone companies for relief have become routine,
NAAA continues to comment against parts of the requests it believes make
the airspace less safe for low-altitude manned aircraft.){kind=small}
