Page 16 - Volume 10 Number 7

pilot certificate may meet the exam requirement through an online training course.
Remote PICs will also be re- quired to obtain prior permission from ATC when operating small UAS in Class B, C, D and E air- space, likely through an online portal. However, specific informa- tion about this process remains largely unknown at this time, with the FAA stating the issue will be addressed in the coming weeks.
“With the mixing of UAS and manned aircraft in the vicinity of airports, NBAA is very concerned that clear guidance for notification of UAS activity near airports is provided by the FAA as soon as possible,” Lamond added.
Carrying over from the NPRM are requirements that small UAS be registered with the FAA, and operate only in daytime VFR conditions within visual line-of-sight of the Remote PIC or visual observers. Unmanned aircraft may not be operated over people on the ground, and all UAS must yield right-of-way to all other aircraft.
The FAA intends Part 107 to eliminate many burdensome hurdles under the current Section
333 exemption process, including certificate of authorization (COA) requirements and that Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) be issued for UAS operations. However, current exemption holders may continue operating under Section 333 until that exemption expires.
Part 107 also allows exemptions to be granted for missions not otherwise authorized under the rule, including flights over people, nighttime operations, and flights occurring outside published altitude, cloud distance and minimum visibility, and speed restrictions.
NBAA personnel have participated in UAS working groups for 10 years, including participation through RTCA. The association has also published an expansive online resource covering UAS industry developments of importance to the business aviation community.
The new Part 107 regulations are expected to go into effect by late August, 60 days after publication on the Federal Register. Commercial operator testing and issuance of Remote Pilot Airman certifications will not be available until the rule goes into effect.
Customs Soon Available T in Houston Area
he former Lone Star Exe- cutive Airport (CXO), now Conroe-North Houston
Regional Airport, will offer U.S. Customs service from a newly constructed $2.4 million facility. The 3,200-square-foot building is located on the ramp next to the Galaxy FBO.
The service will incur a user fee and be staffed by U.S. Customs during regular hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and available after hours on demand. The airport, which is owned by Montgomery County is located 46 miles outside of Houston, and has a 7,500-foot main runway. Supporters of the newly added customs service say it will allow long-range business jets to fly direct from Central and South America, Canada and Europe, while bypassing the congested metro-Houston airspace.
The customs service is project- ed to be open by mid-July. KA
14 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
JULY 2016