McElroy Films Secures Permission from FAA to Fly Drones Under Section 333 Exemption

McElroy Films is excited to announce that the FAA has granted an exemption that will allow the company to fly UAS or Drones for commercial operations in the US. McElroy Films is now part of the UAS implementation initiative set forth by congress to get the FAA to exempt more companies who take the proper channels to fly drones commercially.

“This is a big win for our company and we’re thankful to our staff, colleagues, and legal counsel for their help with this new endeavor,” said Ben McElroy, owner of McElroy Films. “We have been able to capture incredible footage through drone based cinematography– visually arresting aerials that were previously unachievable without helicopters, flight plans, permits… a lot of red tape and all coming at much greater expense to the client. Not only is drone videography much safer and cost effective for our clients, but honestly, it’s a great deal of fun and clients are always extremely impressed with the results.”

The exemption was granted pursuant to Section Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform act of 2012. As of February 17th, 2016 https://www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333/ the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued 3,426 Section 333 exemptions to U.S. companies, clearing them to operate drones for commercial purposes. Current FAA regulations prohibit any use of UAS for commercial or business purposes without a Section 333 exemption.

McElroy Films operations of exemption are limited to the DJI Phantom 2, DJI Phantom 3 and the DJI Inspire I. The exemption covers the use to operate an UAS to conduct aerial videography and photography for: corporate, education, nonprofit, surveying and real estate. In cooperation with the FAA regulations McElroy Films will hire a “PIC” or a Pilot in Command, this person must hold at minimum a sport or recreational pilot license and well as a current FAA airman medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license. A VO or Visual Observer must be in constant communication with the PIC in order to ensure the safety of all that is surrounding.

There are over 22 businesses and organizations the state of Massachusetts that have been granted the Section 333 exemption.

Businesses like McElroy Films are applying for exemption to make sure prospects and clients are protected against fines and other state and federal issues that may arise if not hiring a company that’s properly exempt. The ability to use drones for photography and filming is a major reason companies and organizations seek the permits. In more than half of the FAA’s Section 333 records, petitioners have indicated they intend to use drones for filming and photography purposes.

“The exemption is a huge achievement for McElroy Films . I’m excited and honored to have received this exemption. This has been a two-year undertaking back when there was no clear direction or regulations of such exemptions. I’m happy the FAA is working with companies like ours as aerial drone videography services are