rationalskepticism.org

A Tucson, Arizona realtor (estate agent in British) who has been using a drone to create videos and images of properties for sale was notified by the Federal Aviation Administration that the use of drones for commercial purposes is against its regulations. He consulted an attorney, who told him to apply for an exemption from the FAA. It's been granted, on the conditions that he gets a pilot's licence and passes a medical examination. Seems a bit extreme, but he's "excited" that he'll be able to get the exemption. "Tucson Realtor issued FAA permit to use drone" | tucson.com

An editorial writer at Forbes is not best pleased by this development. "Pilot's License To Fly A Phantom Drone Helicopter? Just Absurd." | Forbes

The FAA granted an exemption this week to real estate agent Douglas Trudeau to operate a Phantom 2 Vision+ to conduct aerial videography and cinematography in furtherance of his real estate business in Tucson, Arizona. The FAA requires that non-hobby uses of model aircraft operate under special FAA permission or exemption. The exemption granted Mr. Trudeau requires that he hold a private pilot’s license and a third class medical certificate. These requirements are – to be blunt – absurd. I have been perplexed by a number of FAA decisions over my many years in aviation but the decision to require a private pilot’s license and medical certificate to fly a 2.8 pound unmanned aerial vehicle below 300 feet is ludicrous.