At this writing, the FAA has granted over 5,000 Section 333 Exemptions, and over 4,000 petitions sit in a queue, awaiting the FAA’s “careful inspection,” which amount to little more than “rubber stamping.” After all, the only requirements for being granted a 333 is that you submit the proper paperwork and have a pulse. If you are currently awaiting your grant, you’ll get it — eventually. Everyone does. Remember, I got one for a paper airplane.
However, once you receive your grant, will you be able to use it? Remember, the grantee can be anyone (or any company). The human who actually flies the drone must be a licensed manned aircraft pilot, and they must be current. Does this describe you? If so, you may legally fly commerciallyunder your 333. If not, you must find (and pay) a licensed and current manned aircraft pilot to fly the drone for you. Oh, does that pilot
you’ll likely not benefit from it, since the myriad of nonsensical conditions that accompany 333s make it completely impractical — indeed nearly impossible — to operate a drone commercially.
Even the FAA agrees that the 333 conditions are unnecessary. It its proposed rule
Of course, some of those who have a 333 will tell you just the opposite. They’ll claim “it’s the only way to operate legally” (even though it’s not). Some will even “turn in” those operating without a 333 in an effort to protect their own business.
Attorney, Private Investigator, FAA-licensed Commercial Helicopter Pilot and Advanced Ground Instructor, Small Drone Pilot, Volunteer Fire Dept. Captain, Polymath.
Websites: Drone Law Journal, Drone Legal Services, Drone Pilots Association, Dronetographer.com and Sachs.net
