I still question whether a Part 107 is really justified in this exact instance. First of all there are only two classifications of UAS operators. Hobbyist and commercial operators. A Hobbyist is defined as anyone flying for hobby or recreational purposes only. The FAA gave an example as someone flying strictly for the pure enjoyment of flying, A commercial operator is someone flying for pay or compensation or even for the hopes of compensation. This person needs a Part 107, of a COA. I forget the exact wording but I seem to remember furtherance of business being in there somewhere too. So in Neon's case if the hotel manager were to launch a drone with the intent to take photos of his hotel which he planned to use in some type of advertisement. That would require a 107. Neon's intent wasn't to fly to help the hotel. He was on vacation and just wanted permission to fly his craft. His intent wasn't to further the financial gain of the hotel I assume. It was because he enjoyed flying his drone. The photos he offered to take and turn over to the hotel operator we have no idea what the manager intended to do with them. Who knows if he was even in a position to add them to any type of brochure or advertisement. So lets say he did nothing with them other then file them away some where, would a 107 still be needed? It has to do with intent.