Submission Deadlines:
Due to the increasing demand for drone filming and in an effort to ensure the best possible service to the film industry, please note the following:
When requesting UAS/drones at film locations please be aware that the deadline to submit all required documentation and related insurance to FilmL.A. is 12:00pm one (1) business day prior to the first date of filming.
Drone Operators must supply copies of the FilmL.A. Questionnaire, the Remote Airman Certificate, Proof of Commercial Registration, a description of operations, and any waivers to be used in conjunction with current certifications.
Any incomplete and late documentation will no longer be accepted and the drone activity will be removed from the permit.
Airman Certificates:
The FAA began issuing Airman Certificates in late 2016 under the new 14 CFR Part 107 regulations. While these certificates do not expire, certificate holders are required to take and pass the Knowledge Test every 24 months. Operators should check the “issued date” on their certificates to ensure compliance with FAA requirements. As a reminder, proof of an updated Knowledge Test is required when adding UAS/drone activity to permit applications.
Updated Questionnaire
With the re-authorization of the FAA by Congress, Section 333 operations were removed and are no longer valid. New rules were created to designate a particular area for use by student filmmakers using drones for educational purposes. This new rule only applies to valid student permits and cannot be used for commercial filming.
Because of these changes, the FilmL.A. Questionnaire has been revised and we ask that all drone requests be submitted on the new form which can be accessed here.
For questions about adding drone activity to a permit or for answers to general production related questions, please contact FilmL.A.’s Production Planning team at 213-977-8600.
Photo: Richard Cabrera