Dan, are you already a pilot? Currently, from reading all the material, the only way you will get an exception about flying professionally, is that you have to have a real aircraft pilot's license. Me? I want to do the same thing you refer to but the only way I think I can do it is when they finally pass the new regulations that allow drone photographers to take a test to become an "operator".
Pilots of a small UAS would be considered "operators". Operator Certification and Responsibilities Operators would be required to: o Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center. o Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.
From the FAA 333 exception FAQ at
Section 333 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main requirements needed for me to operate an unmanned aircraft or drone for my business?
A. You will need:
- a Section 333 grant of exemption,
- a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA),
- an aircraft registered with the FAA, and
- a pilot with an FAA airman certificate
Do I need a pilot's license to petition for exemption under Section 333?
A. By law, the FAA cannot authorize an aircraft operation in the National Airspace without a certificated pilot in command of the aircraft (Title 49 of United States Code § 44711). Exemptions granted in accordance with Section 333 carry the following requirement regarding the pilot in command (PIC) of the aircraft:
Under this grant of exemption, a PIC must hold either an airline transport, commercial, private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate. The PIC must also hold a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's license issued by a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, a territory, a possession, or the Federal government. The PIC must also meet the flight review requirements specified in 14 CFR § 61.56 in an aircraft in which the PIC is rated on his or her pilot certificate.
More information about obtaining pilot certification is available at:
http://www.faa.gov/pilots/.