Hawaii Drone Operators Seek, Secure FAA Approval
BY RYAN OZAWA · SEPTEMBER 2, 2015
key article out on dsus yesterday. pay close attention to sections of article that talk about drone hawaii being part owners in dsus and that dsus is national in scope. another key part they are partners in building search and rescue and cargo lift drones. George Purdy is also Drone usa director of search and rescue, fire and faa affairs.A MUST READ. This isn't opinion. it is fact.
drone-pair
While the media fans the flames of outrage prompted by drone pilots who are certainly behaving badly, there is some encouraging news this week for UAV enthusiasts committed to doing the right thing.
Drone Services Hawaii has received its coveted Section 333 Exception from the FAA, allowing it to operate commercially. Meanwhile, the Hawaii Drone Academy is hosting a specialized workshop to help other would-be commercial UAV pilots navigate through the same regulatory process.
Drone Services Hawaii owner and general manager Mike Elliot announced yesterday that the FAA had granted his company’s Section 333 Exemption, which is the result of a long, complex, case-by-case process that is currently the only way drone operators can operate commercially before the federal agency finalizes its Small UAS Rule, which is still being developed.
The news was tied to a larger announcement by Michigan-based Drone Services USA, a company that’s national in scope.
“We are part owners in that company, building Search and Rescue drones and cargo lift drones,” Elliot tells me. “Still a few things to take care of, but this is huge.”
Joel Bredow, President & CEO of Drone Services USA, wrote in the announcement: “Our aim has always been to stay one step ahead in not only UAV capabilities and related technology but in safety, training and repairs as well. These exemptions allow us to legally conduct demos, train and fly for commercial purposes.”
“We are going to be more than a hobbyist retailer,” Elliot adds. “Good stuff coming.”
In fact, Elliot and his national counterparts are on the verge of taking another bit step forward in their mission. Elliot’s Drone Services Hawaii cofounder, George Purdy, is also Drone Services USA’s director of Search & Rescue, Fire, and FAA Affairs. And Purdy has been in Alaska working with the University of Alaska on an FAA test flight certification program.
“They will be making a huge announcement tomorrow about us, Drone Services Hawaii and a partnership that will [bring] jobs and technology to the state,” Elliot says.
While securing a Section 333 Exemption provides a clear “first mover” competitive advantage, it can take months, and Bredow describes the wait as “nerve-wracking.” But like most drone enthusiasts, Elliot is happy to help others follow in his company’s footsteps. And for those serious about diving headlong into the maelstrom of FAA paperwork, a separate workshop is also being planned for anyone in Hawaii hoping to get into the business.
The Hawaii Drone Academy is hosting a 333 Exemption Workshop next weekend for those interested in commercial drone operations. The keynote speaker is Tim Lerma from Lewanui Aviation on the Big Island, “the first in the State to gain FAA approval.”
The Academy is run by Ryan “Sal” Salcido, who also founded the Hawaii Drone Club. Less than a month after the club hosted a meetup with local FAA inspectors, this workshop is designed for people ready to take the next step.
“We’re flying in an expert, and the class will provide you everything you need to mail in your application,” Salcido says.
Attending the workshop costs $499 (with a $250 advance deposit). But Salcido says it’s a bargain.
“Normally this would cost $2,000 to $4,000 if you hired a lawyer,” he says. “This class is a fraction of that cost and will save you a tremendous amount of time and energy.”
The workshop will be held Sunday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 pm.., location to be announced. For more information, visit the workshop website.
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