are you planning your SFOC application? .. a point to ponder.
The main item that most overlook and that restricts the widespread use of the exemptions for many is the 5NM (9KM) restrictions from airports and built-up areas. The confusion comes from what a “built-up area” is as TC has not defined in clearly, however it is generally referred to mean the following:
any group of structures that could interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. These can include houses, factories, service stations, grain elevators, apartment buildings, or airports
NOTE: Built-up Area has since been further defined by TC as noted in this article:
http://blog.flitelab.com/2014/12/19/terminology-built-up-area/
So any town or village or group of houses/buildings, etc would generally fall into this definition and be outside what the exemption allows. For example you couldn’t do real estate shoots with a UAV under the exemption if it were in a subdivision or community as those would be built-up areas.
The main distinction between the under 2kg and 2-25kg class is the need for the pilot in the larger class to have ground school training. As well in the larger class you must keep 500 feet from buildings and people whereas it is 100 feet in the smaller class.
As noted previously there is much more to the exemptions that what the infographic shows, and it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure they are fully compliant with the exemption requirements.
You must observe and comply with all the conditions included in the applicable exemption in order to use the exemption as your authority to operate a UAV. If not you could be subject to penalties/fines.
When you boil down the exemptions they are really for very specific and limited use, targeted at remote rural areas for farming, forestry, and mining type operations. For most operators the restrictions will be far too limiting for them to be used for commercial work, and you will need to file for an SFOC as had been done in the past. Unfortunately the ease and openness that was mentioned by all the media at the press release is truly not there for most.
The exemption does not allow for commercial work, you must have an SFOC and be willing to do your due diligence. Suffice to say that there are going to be some that will stretch the exemptions to fit their own needs, is it legal??.. that depends on the judge, and the prosecutor.
Happy Safe Flying!!