Recent content by Stephen Mann

No, they don't track pilots that closely, especially since you didn't violate any rules just by asking. Chances are your next application, even if reviewed by the same person at the FAA, would just be another anonymous application. Don't assume the FAA personnel looking at applications really...

Don't forget to add the cost of business so that you can do it legally: The Part107 Pilot Certificate didn't come free, and I am sure you are insured. When you go to your doctor's office, he or she will see you for fifteen minutes max, yet you get a bill for a few hundred dollars. Same logic...

This is my non-lawyer opinion from 50 years experience with commercial flight. FAA rules are intentionally vague. "Over people" is a relative term precisely to give the FAA some latitude in deciding to prosecute if there is an accident. 49 CFR §830.2 has the definition of "Serious Injury"...

I've flown over fireworks in my Cessna a number of times. Never to watch fireworks, but my flight had me landing after dark when a nearby amusement park lights up a fireworks show. And on occasion, July 4. Here's two observations: 1) Fireworks rarely ever go above 200 ft. I had a friend who...

...As long as the flight does not enter Class-B airspace.

... But appreciated. The tower will receive notification that there will be drone activity in their airspace, and unless told otherwise, they will advise local traffic. If you notify them when finished (of if cancelled), then you reduce their workload slightly.

No, the LAANC system does that for you. What the tower personnel would appreciate is a phone call when you are finished so that they can stop adding "Warning, drone activity x-miles, y-direction at z-altitude" to their ATIS broadcast.

It is not a license. It is a certificate. It never "expires". The FAA does not issue "licenses". Everything they do is certificated and the holder of the certificate is responsible for meeting currency requirements to exercise the privileges of the certificate. Every FAA certificate has its...

No. Only the FAA may restrict flight. Reference: Unmanned Aircraft in the National Parks (U.S. National Park Service) "This action applies to the launching, landing, and operation of unmanned aircraft on lands and waters administered by the NPS. Jurisdiction by the NPS ends at the park...

I am not aware of any FAA currency requirements that are as challenging as the initial exam. Private pilots may take a biennial flight with an instructor or add a rating to their pilot certificate or complete a "phase" of the WINGS program. A flight instructor maintains currency through one...

My policies that have never let me down are- new clients are COD, no exceptions. Existing clients get net-30 days, but most pay within a week or two of the invoice. My slowest paying client was a large corporation with offices all over the country. They only paid after I sent a DMCA take-down...

You don't state what waiver you are seeking, but if you post your application here, maybe some of us may be able to find the flaw or concern that would cause a denial. What did the FAA say was the reason for denial? From my experience flying Cessnas for aerial photography, the FAA is usually...

The OP has the technically correct term. The FAA does not "license" pilots- everything the FAA does is through certification. You are an "FAA Certified Drone Pilot".

If you have a Part 61 Pilot Certificate and a Part 107 Pilot Certificate, then taking the Biennial Flight Review is sufficient for both certificates. No test.

Because it is not a license it is a certificate. Everything the FAA authorizes is through certification. There are pilot certificates, mechanic certificates, tower operator certificates, airworthiness certificates, etc. Certificates do not expire, but the exercise of the certificate has...