https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=20515
"Under the final rule, the person actually flying a drone must be at
least 16 years old and have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS
rating, or be directly supervised by someone with such a certificate. To
qualify for a remote pilot certificate, an individual must either pass
an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge
testing center or have an existing non-student Part 61 pilot
certificate. If qualifying under the latter provision, a pilot must have
completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and must take a UAS
online training course provided by the FAA. The TSA will conduct a
security background check of all remote pilot applications prior to
issuance of a certificate.
Operators are responsible for ensuring a
drone is safe before flying, but the FAA is not requiring small UAS to
comply with current agency airworthiness standards or aircraft
certification. Instead, the remote pilot will simply have to perform a
preflight visual and operational check of the small UAS to ensure that
safety-pertinent systems are functioning property. This includes
checking the communications link between the control station and the
UAS.
Although the new rule does not specifically deal with privacy
issues in the use of drones, and the FAA does not regulate how UAS
gather data on people or property, the FAA is acting to address privacy
considerations in this area. The FAA strongly encourages all UAS pilots
to check local and state laws before gathering information through
remote sensing technology or photography."
wow. So to fly a drone commercially you need a pilot's license? Amazing.