Hi,
I am studying to get my Part 107 certificate for commercial operations.
Will I still be able to fly under Hobbyist rules when not receiving compensation? I would think that the answer would be yes.
Bob
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PhantomPilots
Absolutely. And you should make it clear when you post videos which ones are recreational, and which ones are commercial. You do not want the FAA or commercial operators in your area to mistake a recreational shoot (which has far fewer restrictions on flight and compliance and commercial flights which need to comply with Part 107 or potentially Section 333 if you received that exemption and ELECT to fly under it as opposed to part 107. Here are some tips we provide our clients to reduce risk:
1. Label the video, or the video description, as recreational if it is not commercial.
2. Do not mix apples and oranges. Post recreational videos on personal youtube/vimeo, etc accounts rather than under your commercial or business account. While your 'intent' at the time of the flight is the test, intent is subjective and thus subject to attack.
3. From the FAA's point of view, it it quacks like a duck, it is likely a duck. If you video appears commercial, they will assume it is commercial.
4. Remember that commercial means more than charging money. If there is any commercial benefit or purpose the FAA will argue it is commercial.
5. Remember that recreational drone use still require FAA registration of you as the pilot, and placing your pilot registration number on the UAV. Learn more here
How do I register my drone with the FAA? Let a drone lawyer show you how. - Hire a Drone Law Attorney - Fly Under FAA Part 107
Scroll down for the training video. Its easy to register ..
Here is the video link
The videos themselves rarely reveal the pilot's intent (recreational or commercial). You would rather not receive a notice letter from the FAA. An ounce of prevention ....