There are four requirements for use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in the course of business:

1. a Section 333 grant of exemption,
2. a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA),
3. an aircraft registered with the FAA, and
4. a pilot with an FAA airman certificate

A Section 333 registration includes a “blanket Certificate of Authorization.” This is a 200-foot, nationwide COA with certain restrictions around airports, restricted airspace, and other densely populated areas. Pilots desiring operation outside the blanket COA need to apply for a specific COA describing their flight needs.  

COA applications must include a Section 333 exemption number and UAV registration number, so apply for those first.

Commercial UAV registration is similar to recreational registration and can be completed at http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration. Commercial registration numbers are issued for individual UAV’s. Each UAV receives its own number and number cost $5 each. Registration is required for U.S. citizens and some corporations.

The Pilot in Command of the UAV must have at least a Sport Pilot Certificate and an FAA Airman Medical Certificate or valid U.S. Driver's License.