UAS stands for Unmanned Aircraft System. The term covers everything needed to fly a drone: the aircraft, controller, ground station, and communication links between them. The FAA uses this terminology in regulations rather than just saying drone.
System vs. Aircraft
The word system is important here. A UAS includes the drone (also called UAV or unmanned aerial vehicle), plus the controller you hold, any relay equipment, telemetry displays, and data links. When something fails in any part of this system, the whole operation is affected.
Why the FAA Calls It UAS
Regulators think about the entire operation, not just the flying machine. Part 107 rules address pilot certification, airspace authorization, and operational limits. All of these apply to how the system works together, not just how the drone flies.
Common Uses
Commercial UAS operations include aerial photography, infrastructure inspection, agricultural monitoring, and surveying work. Hobbyists fly for recreation and photography. The same equipment serves both purposes, but different rules apply depending on whether you are flying for fun or for pay.
Getting Started
If you want to fly UAS commercially, you need a Part 107 certificate from the FAA. The test covers airspace classes, weather, emergency procedures, and regulations. Recreational flyers follow different rules but still need to understand basic safety requirements and airspace restrictions.
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