What is a Commercial Operator?
A person or company using unmanned aircraft system/drone technology for compensation or business purposes is considered to be a commercial operator. This includes any person or company using a drone in any way to advertise, promote or demonstrate a product or service – even if the product or service itself does not include a drone, drone-derived photography, etc.
For example, if a real estate agent uses a drone to photograph a property in order to advertise or promote that real estate for sale or lease, then that drone operation is commercial. The drone was used for business purposes.
Federal Restrictions & Requirements
- Commercial operators can operate drones under
14 CFR Part 107, also known as the Small UAS Rule. The rule requires the person operating a small unmanned aircraft system to either hold a remote pilot airman certificate with a small UAS rating or be under the direct supervision of a person who does hold a remote pilot certificate (remote pilot in command).
There are
16 testing locations in North Carolina for commercial operators who want to take the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate Exam.
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Commercial operators can also operate drones under an exemption authorized under
Section 333 of the Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. This is a case-by-case exemption that must be applied for and approved by the FAA.
- As an alternative to operating under Part 107 or a Section 333 exemption, a drone operator may apply for a federal Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA.
North Carolina Restrictions & Requirements
- Commercial drone operators must be at least 16 years old.
- Commercial drone operators must take and pass the N.C. Department of Transportation's
Unmanned Aircraft System Operator's Knowledge Test – a prerequisite to applying for a state permit.
- To obtain a permit, drone operators must provide proof of their remote pilot certificate or other authorization to conduct commercial unmanned aircraft system operations from the FAA (see above, "Federal Restrictions & Requirements).
- Permitted operators agree to these terms and conditions.