Chapter 1 – General Administration

13010.17.1 Requests to Film From Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

• Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 107 is the operating authority for small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and establishes the minimum safety standards and registration requirements for their operations in the United States. 14 CFR defines a small UAS to include its communication links and the components that control it. The rules also establish certification requirements for small UAS pilots which require a Remote Pilot to pass an aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center and complete a security background check by the Transportation Security Administration.

• Requests to film from a UAS, commonly known as a drone, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. A minimum of 20 business days is needed to evaluate the request. The California Film Commission (CFC) requires the Remote Pilot to complete the “Questionnaire: Request to Use Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Filming Over State Property (Questionnaire).” Up to seven business days are required for the CFC to process requests for film permits that include the use of a small UAS.

• Additional insurance coverage shall be provided by the UAS operator, including proof of UAS coverage (listing the specific aircraft to be used) with a limit of at least $2 million. Processing will not begin until all required documentation has been submitted to the CFC.

• Those who request to film from a UAS over CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation property shall submit to CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation:

  • A copy of the Remote Pilot Certificate.

  • A copy of the Part 47 or Part 48 Registration Certificate for each UAS.

  • The make, model and serial number for each UAS.

  • A detailed description of proposed flight activities, including maps.

  • Copies of all necessary waivers or approvals.

  • The completed Questionnaire.

  • Proof of insurance coverage.

  • An application to the CFC for a film permit.

• Meeting all the qualifications required by federal law and the CFC does not guarantee permission to operate small UAS over CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facilities. CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will review requests on a case-by-case basis and approve or deny requests based on location conditions, safety, security and operational impacts. Authorization from CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation does not relieve the Remote Pilot from the responsibility to check the airspace and weather conditions they are operating in and comply with all restrictions that may be present in accordance with federal law.

• In accordance with the basic provisions of 14 CFR Part 107, a UAS must weigh between .5 and 55 pounds; the Remote Pilot must remain within visual line of sight of the UAS and no person may act as a Remote Pilot or Visual Observer for more than one UAS at one time; the UAS must be operated in daylight only; the maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level (or within 400 feet of a structure); and operations are not permitted from a moving vehicle. In addition, UAS operations require a preflight inspection by the Remote Pilot.

• Although federal regulations no longer require a visual observer, the CFC and CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation recommends the use of a visual observer for safer UAS operations. In addition, it is recommended that the Remote Pilot scout the location site(s) before filming.