PlaneBuilderFlierCrasher
New member
Im wanting to build some bigger planes in the future, what is the biggest I can without any kind of license?
anyone know the biggest rc plane you can make without a license?
- Thread starter PlaneBuilderFlierCrasher
- Start date
Those weights sounds like AMA requirements for insurance not FFA regulations.
Im guessing @Mid7night knows the answer. Some of his planes are much heavier than 55 pounds.
Im guessing @Mid7night knows the answer. Some of his planes are much heavier than 55 pounds.
Yep, you're right. It's AMA weight info. I'm not even sure where I got the 75, now. Oh well.
Here's a short clip of Ben talking weights:
youtube.com
Here's a short clip of Ben talking weights:
✂️ Ben Talks Weight
60 seconds · Clipped by AddictedRC · Original video "Giant Foam C-47: Weigh In" by Ben Harber
youtube.com
Tench745
Master member
Per the new UAS regulations, you may operate a UAS over 55lbs for recreational purposes if
(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards and limitations developed by a community-based organization and approved by the Administrator; and
(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed site as described in paragraph (1)
(Full quote from USC44809 included below)
(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards and limitations developed by a community-based organization and approved by the Administrator; and
(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed site as described in paragraph (1)
(Full quote from USC44809 included below)
PlaneBuilderFlierCrasher
New member
thanks! I don't think im ever going to build a plane over 55lb🤷🏻 that seems really heavy. Though maybe I'll end up re-thinking that assessment later on.
If you want to avoid FAA registration completely, your limit is 250g.
PlaneBuilderFlierCrasher
New member
250g? that seems really small
Tench745
Master member
As I read it, that's only if you're operating under part 107, and not in the recreational carve-out. See my earlier post referencing USC44809.
DaveM
FPVFC President and CEO
I don’t think so. 44809 is an exception of part 107 and therefore many of the elements of part 107 pertain to 44809. This includes the definition of SUAS being in a weight of greater than 0.55 to 55 pounds. Would you please share the section within the rules where you see this and I’ll reread it.
Piotrsko
Master member
I was under the Interpretation that above 55 lbs you were no longer a "defined SUAS" and therefore subject to specific administrator approvals on a case by case application. IIRC, there was a company building very large drones outside of Mojave under federal contract that needed every one approved by their in house FAA designee
They did that on purpose. Anything more than this requires you to get an FAA registration number and apply it to all your models over 250g.
Other things come into play above 55lb.
I have been assured that the AMA process for models over 55 lbs is recognized by the FAA. I’m talking about recreational models that are not part 107.
Tench745
Master member
I already did, in post #6, but I'll include it again here for convenience:
There is no part of subsection (a) that limits weight, other than referring to a "small unmanned aircraft" which I assume is defined elsewhere.
The meaningful portion is Subsection (c), Paragraph 2, which specifically calls out unmanned aircraft over 55lbs:
(2) Unmanned aircraft weighing more than 55 pounds.-A person may operate an unmanned aircraft weighing more than 55 pounds, including the weight of anything attached to or carried by the aircraft, under subsection (a) if-
(A) the unmanned aircraft complies with standards and limitations developed by a community-based organization and approved by the Administrator; and
(B) the aircraft is operated from a fixed site as described in paragraph (1).
Piotrsko
Master member
Note carefully the approved by the administrator portion section 2 (a)
One suspects local authorities may have either authority or some method of obtaining it. Difficulty in obtaining access to local authority in my experiences in other places.
Not sure how they determine fixed site, but operating in a parked van isnt a fixed site.
One suspects local authorities may have either authority or some method of obtaining it. Difficulty in obtaining access to local authority in my experiences in other places.
Not sure how they determine fixed site, but operating in a parked van isnt a fixed site.
"I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice...." but this is how I understand the FAA regs in "normal people words":
If you want to fly an RC model over 55lbs :
Operate as a hobbyist for recreation only (Not Part-107)
Abide by the applicable guidelines of a CBO (AMA, FTCA, FPVFC)
Fly at private property - with permission from the property owner - in UNcontrolled (class G) airspace AND make that property location an approved FRIA (no RID required)
Enjoy.
Abiding by the guidelines of the CBO is different for each CBO, and AMA has several distinct weight-classes, which I won't go into here unless you really want me to. Suffice to say that's why I only fly my giants at a private field or at Flite Fest.
It is interesting that Part-107 has limits and boundaries for every possible parameter of flight, (weight being limited by 55lbs maximum), and you can apply for a waiver for literally EVERY limitation EXCEPT WEIGHT. If you want to fly over 55lbs commercially it gets.....complicated.....
If you want to fly an RC model over 55lbs :
Operate as a hobbyist for recreation only (Not Part-107)
Abide by the applicable guidelines of a CBO (AMA, FTCA, FPVFC)
Fly at private property - with permission from the property owner - in UNcontrolled (class G) airspace AND make that property location an approved FRIA (no RID required)
Enjoy.
Abiding by the guidelines of the CBO is different for each CBO, and AMA has several distinct weight-classes, which I won't go into here unless you really want me to. Suffice to say that's why I only fly my giants at a private field or at Flite Fest.
It is interesting that Part-107 has limits and boundaries for every possible parameter of flight, (weight being limited by 55lbs maximum), and you can apply for a waiver for literally EVERY limitation EXCEPT WEIGHT. If you want to fly over 55lbs commercially it gets.....complicated.....
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