2014 North Carolina General Statutes
Chapter 63 - Aeronautics.
Article 10 - Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
§ 63-96 - License required for commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

63-96. License required for commercial operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

(a) No person shall operate an unmanned aircraft system, as defined in G.S. 15A-300.1, in this State for commercial purposes unless the person is in possession of a license issued by the Division valid for the unmanned aircraft system being operated. Application for such license shall be made in the manner provided by the Division. Unless suspended or revoked, the license shall be effective for a period to be established by the Division not exceeding eight years.

(b) No person shall be issued a license under this section unless all of the following apply:

(1) The person is at least 18 years of age.

(2) The person possesses a valid drivers license issued by any state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

(3) The person has passed the knowledge and skills test for operating an unmanned aircraft system as prescribed in G.S. 63-95(b).

(4) The person has satisfied all other applicable requirements of this Article or federal regulation.

(c) A license to operate an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes shall not be issued to a person while the person's license to operate an unmanned aircraft system is suspended, revoked, or cancelled in any state.

(d) The Division shall develop and administer a program to license operators of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial purposes. The program must include the following components:

(1) A system for classifying unmanned aircraft systems based on characteristics determined to be appropriate by the Division.

(2) A fee structure for licenses.

(3) A license application process.

(4) Technical guidance for complying with program requirements.

(5) Criteria under which the Division may suspend or revoke a license.

(6) Criteria under which the Division may waive licensure requirements for applicants currently holding a valid license to operate unmanned aircraft systems issued by another state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the United States.

(7) A designation of the geographic area within which a licensee shall be authorized to operate an unmanned aircraft system.

(8) Requirements pertaining to the collection, use, and retention of data by licensees obtained through the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, to be established in consultation with the State Chief Information Officer.

(9) Requirements for the marking of each unmanned aircraft system operated pursuant to a license issued under this section sufficient to permit identification of the owner of the system and the person licensed to operate it.

(10) A system for providing agencies that conduct other operations within regulated airspace with the identity and contact information of licensees and the geographic areas within which the licensee is permitted to operate an unmanned aircraft system.

(e) A person who operates an unmanned aircraft system for commercial purposes other than as permitted under this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

(f) The Division may issue rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. (2014-100, s. 34.30(g).)