Yet another 333 question

[Gareth Rockliffe]

I've just read all the posts on the 333 exemption requirement from the FAA. Sorry if I seem a little thick here, but even with a 333 if I want to fly commercially I still need a pilot's license. If so then what's the 333 actually for? Can I hire a pilot and just have him on a retainer, or would they actually have to be on site during a shoot? This all seems crazy to me. My brother started a drone business last year in England. Paid $2000 to be certified and then he was off and running. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Maddog]

The 333 exempts "you" from the regulation that prohibits flying commercially.

A licensed pilot must be operating the drone. I'm not clear if the holder of the exemption must be operating the drone or if he/she can have a licensed pilot operate it.

The pilot requirement will likely be dropped when the new regulations come out but no telling when that will happen.

 

[Acroduster]

The holder of the exemption does not have to physically operate the drone. A licensed pilot must be contracted by the exemption holder to fly, unless the holder is a pilot and does the flying.