ATTACHMENT 1 
Federal Aviation 

Administration 

Memorandum 

Date: MAR 2 0 2015 

To: 

From: 

T~~j .. ~ ~resident, Air Traffic Services, AJT -0 

Elizabetfi-L.R.ay, Vic~sident, Mission Support Services, AJV -0 

Subject: Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations in the National Airspace System 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are increasingly appearing in the news and in our airspace. 

Over the last 3 years we have seen exponential growth in the requests for approvals of all sizes of 

UAS to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS). A new interim policy is necessary to 

respond to the current demands and to bridge existing U AS operations with the proposed small 

UAS (sUAS) rule (14 CFR Part 91.107). This follows the Administrator's strategic initiatives 

and allows the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) to enable commercial sUAS operations while 

complying with Safety Management System (SMS) principles. 

This new policy allows operations of commercial sUAS at and below 200 feet above ground 

level (AGL) without coordination that currently exists with the Service Centers and air traffic 

control (ATC) facilities. The sUAS pilot must agree to operate within established safety 

parameters. These safety parameters are contained in the streamlined Certificate of 

Authorization (COA) as follows: 

• Commercial UAS operations (under Section 333 ofFAA Modernization and Reform Act of 

2012), and 

• Operators and UAS equipment must meet the requirements of the Class of Airspace they 

will operate in. (Any deviation will require a standard COA) and 

• Commercial UAS operations are flown at or below 200' above ground level, and 

• Unmanned aircraft weight less than 55 pounds, and 

• Operate during daylight Visual Flight Rule (VFR) conditions only, and 

• The operator must issue a Notice To Airmen (NOT AM) at least 24 hours prior to the 

proposed operation, and 

• Operations are conducted within the visual line of sight of the pilot, and 

• The Pilot In Command (PIC) must have, as a minimum, a private pilot license and 

• The Commercial UAS operations conducted must remain at least; 

o 5 nautical miles (NM) from an airport having an operational control tower; or 

o 3 NM from an airport having a published instrument flight procedure, but not 

having an operational control tower; or 
o 2 NM from an airport, heliport, seaport not having a published instrument flight 

procedure or an operational control tower. 

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Any applicant requesting an operation which is not consistent with the above operating 

conditions must apply through the standard COA process and all coordination will be completed, 

as it currently exists. 

A list of questions and answers is attached to help address any questions you may have on this 

policy. Further questions can be directed to Randy Willis, Manager, Emerging Technologies 

Team at 202-503-6498, or randy.willis@faa.gov. 

Attachment: Questions and Answers 
3 

Question and Answers 

What is a standard COA for UAS flight? 

A standard COA for UAS flight is issued on FAA Form 7711-1 and consists of a jive step process 

covering numerous issues concerning airframe worthiness, personnel qualifications, 

considerations on the proposed operating areas, routes of flight, emergency procedures and a 

myriad of other points. These applications are reviewed between AFS and ATO personnel for 

impacts on the NAS, conflictions with other NAS users and airspace. After coordination with 

impacted facilities, and other stakeholders, a standard COAfor UASflight is issued for a 

specific period of time and specific geographic areas. 

How does a standard COA for UAS flight differ from this interim policy? 

Under the standard COAfor UASflight, a specific activity in a specific geographical area is 

authorized after coordination with any NAS impacted stakeholder i.e. ATC facility, Service 

Center, Airport Management, etc. Provisions for communications and emergency procedures 

are included. 

Under this interim policy, commercial UAS operators agree to comply with numerous 

operational parameters and conditions at the beginning of the process. The operational 

parameters and conditions provide a safety net for the UAS operations and other NAS 

stakeholders. 

How long is a COA good for? 

Generally CO As are approved for 2 years. 

What is Section 333 ofFMRA of2012? 

Section 333 provides guidance to the FAA to begin a process ofUAS integration into the NAS, 

there are some restrictions to what the FAA can and cannot do. 

Was a SRM Panel convened to consider the change? 

Yes. A panel was held on this change. As a result of the panel, several initial proposed conditions 

for use, were made more restrictive. 

Do the pilots of the UAS have a license? 

All pilots flying under this interim policy will have a minimum of a private pilot's license. 

Under the interim policy are UAS allowed to operate in controlled airspace? 

If the UAS has all the appropriate equipment, communication and lighting as required by CFRs 

for operation in each class of airspace, they may, however with operations restricted to at or 
below 200 feet and lateral distance requirements from airports, the overwhelming majority of 

these operations will be in Class G airspace. 

What if someone calls the facility wanting to operate in our facility's airspace? 

If you receive a call concerning UAS operations, you should ask the caller if they are a model 

aircraft hobbyist or a commercial operator. If the caller is a hobbyist and you can take the time 

to offer assistance regarding where to operate, refer to AC91-57 for assistance. If the caller is a 

commercial user, refer them to www.faa.gov/uas to comply with COA requirements. 

Will we be contacted about Commercial UAS operations in our airspace? 

Contact will only be made for COA processing by Service Center personnel, on standard CO As, 

not under this interim policy. If individuals call regarding operating UAS aircraft, see answer 

above. 

What if you observe U AS activity from the tower without prior coordination of the flight? 

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Be sure to note the location of the activity, time, estimated altitude, if an operator is observed, 

note a description of the person and if possible a description of the UAS. Notify airport security, 

local law enforcement and the local FSDO for investigation of the activity. 

Does this interim policy permit UAS operations under the Mode C Veil? 

Only if the UAS meets all requirements stipulated for equipment, communication and lighting in 

CFRs for operation in that airspace. 

If a group or flying club wants to conduct routine UAS operations within our airspace, 

what should we do? 

Guidance for hobbyists is provided in A C91-5 7, and if management so desires, agreements for 

operations can be made.