EPIC Creative Receives FAA Approval for Expanded Commercial Operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems
EPIC Creative, a full service advertising, communications and video production agency located in West Bend, Wis., is proud to announce it obtained a Section 333 exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.
The Section 333 exemption permits the company to commercially operate drones in more comprehensive ways than the recently passed FAA Part 107 rule allows. Specifically, the Section 333 exemption gives EPIC the ability to fly at night, in Class C air space and at heights more than 400 feet above ground level — all of which are prohibited under the new Part 107 rule.
In addition to the reduced flying restrictions placed on Section 333 exempt operators, EPIC Aerial Pilot and Videographer Miles Cooksy noted that EPIC Creative is able to provide a comprehensive suite of video and photo services.
“The big difference between EPIC and most other aerial video services is that we don’t just shoot the video; we also offer complete marketing support, including editing, publishing, distribution, promotion and more. It’s the whole nine yards,” Cooksy said.
EPIC’s services include advertising, social media, web development, graphic design, public relations and strategic branding development, all of which give the company the expertise to reach the target audience and generate impressions for a client’s video, Cooksy noted.
Current legislation mandates that obtaining a Section 333 exemption and operating an aircraft in the national air space (NAS) requires a licensed pilot, certified and registered aircraft, and operational approval. In addition, a company must register their aircraft and maintain proof of insurance.
EPIC is one of the only full-service agencies in the state of Wisconsin to hold a Section 333 exemption. To become fully licensed and certified for commercial use, Cooksy obtained his private pilot’s license through 30 hours of class time and 100 hours of flight time.
