Unmanned Aircraft Systems in North Carolina

Domestic use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is largely controlled by the
Federal Aviation Administration. UAS operations in the U.S. are largely restricted
to government use, with a few limited exceptions for private industry such as
video and film production.

Session Law 2013-360 specifies that state and local government entities in North
Carolina cannot procure or operate UAS unless a special exemption is granted by
the State CIO’s Office (SCIO). The SCIO’s authority over government use of UAS
is in place through the end of 2015 (S.L. 2014-100).

Any government entity that seeks authorization from the SCIO to procure or
operate unmanned aircraft in North Carolina must first secure all required FAA
approvals and meet all FAA regulations.

In 2013, a test UAS program under the direction of the NextGen Air
Transportation Center (NGAT) at North Carolina State University was approved.
NGAT is the only government entity authorized to operate unmanned aircraft in
North Carolina.

S.L 2014-100 addresses privacy and safety concerns associated with UAS,
including interference with manned flight and the distribution of images
collected by unmanned aircraft. Civil and criminal penalties for violations went
into effect on October 1, 2014, and additional penalties will take effect on
December 1, 2014.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Division of Aviation is creating a
licensing and permitting process for UAS and developing a skills and knowledge
test. Those programs will be in place by May 31, 2015, and licenses will not be
issued to anyone under 18 (S.L. 2014-100).

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (www.modelaircraft.org) is a national
resource for guidance about flying UAS safely and responsibly.