Well, by law the TSA MUST publish their policy in title and code. That's like the US Courts not posting what is and is not legal.
The TSA must, and is obligated [under law] to provide a detailed list of the qualifications and DISQUALIFICATIONS regarding a background check for all public to see at any time, prior to their application for a Commercial Drone License.
This whole thing about the TSA doing it on a "call it as we see it" basis is not a proper, legal or ethical procedure.
I have looked high and low, and i can not find anything from the TSA on this matter.
Furthermore, I sent the TSA an email regarding this very concern, and this was their reply:
"Thank you for contacting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Contact Center.
After careful review, we have determined that your inquiry falls outside TSA's jurisdiction.
How? I asked you what convictions can disqualify me from obtaining a Commercial Drone License? After all, you are the people who do the background check and vetting and make the final decision! Yet you aren't allowed to give me a list of what crimes can disqualify me; saving me the headache of studying for hours on in, taking the test, paying nearly $200, and waiting weeks to find out that i cant get my license after all?
Or, you could merely publish the cans and cant's online for people to read, and if my conviction is listed then I won't waste my time and money.
When you apply for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) remote pilot certificate, the FAA forwards your information to TSA for vetting. TSA does not directly interact with applicants. Once vetting is complete, the FAA may issue the certificate."
MAY issue you the certificate... is the key word here. No promises....
If you have additional questions on the FAA's rules or the sUAS application process, please visit www.faa.gov/uas.
Went there, did that... NOTHING regarding the qualifying criteria regarding a background check
TSA Contact Center.
Funny, they wont tell you in advance whether or not you'll pass the vetting.
INSTEAD: you have to take the test, spend $170, and wait and see. If you are denied by the TSA... You don't get a refund. and you lost your money. FACT. Seems almost like they set this scam up deliberately. I am concerned because I have a Felony Domestic Battery from 2009, and I am going into business as a real estate videographer. I am hoping that the vetting process is the same as it is for manned pilots, as I have found the qualifications and there's no mention of my type of conviction in the list.
Also.. WHAT DOES IT MATTER IF I AM USING MY DROME FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES? What is the difference?
I still bought the drone from a store, i still fly it, it still take pictures! Yet, if I want to use it to earn money, I have to apply, go thru a background check, and pay money??!! Who is the nut job that thought of this?!
Isn't anyone suing the TSA???
A terrorist isn't going to apply for a commercial drone license; they aren't weeding out the bad guys here!