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                        Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems


            
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                Section 44807: Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems
    

    
    
        
          The Small UAS Rule (14 CFR Part 107) is only applicable to unmanned aircraft (drones) that weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff. Not only is there a max weight, but there's also a limitation to what rules can be waived under Part 107. To fly an unmanned aircraft that exceeds the maximum weight limit of Part 107 or your mission includes a non-waiverable rule, you may apply for an exemption in accordance with 14 CFR Part 11 and  the Congressional authority granted in Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems, 49 U.S.C. §44807.

49 U.S.C. § 44807 grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to use a risk-based approach to determine if certain unmanned aircraft systems may operate safely in the national airspace system (NAS) on a case-by-case basis. This grants UAS operators safe and legal entry into the NAS, thus improving safety. We anticipate this activity will result in significant economic benefits. The FAA Administrator has identified this as a high priority project to address demand for civil operation of drones for commercial purposes.

Instructions for Requesting FAA Exemption

The list below contains requirements for requesting FAA authorization to operate a UAS for civil under the authority of 49 U.S.C. §44807.

Before filing your petition, review FAA's guidance to ensure your petition contains at a minimum the following necessary information, if relevant:

	Concept of Operations
		Operations Manual
		Emergency Procedures
		Checklists
		Maintenance Manual
		Training Program
		Flight History (flight hours, cycles, accidents, etc.)
		Safety Risk AnalysisNote: A Safety Risk Analysis is also required for complex operations for any proposal that includes the following, but not limited to: flight over or in close proximity to people, flight beyond visual line of sight, operation of multiple UAS, operations from a moving vehicle, package delivery, Part 135 operations, or high speeds. Additional information about safety risk analysis is available at FAA Order 8040.4, Safety Risk Management Policy and FAA Order 8040.6 UAS Safety Risk Management Policy.
	Verify that all the necessary information is included, see 14 CFR § 11.81, and then file your petition for exemption on the public docket. You can also download submission instructions (text instructions) (visual aid instructions).Instructions for Requesting FAA Authorization

Apply for a Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA), which serves as operational approval for the specific airspace in which you desire to fly. You must submit applications for a COA through the COA Application Processing System (CAPS), not the public docket.

COA applications **must** include:

An exemption number — corresponding to the Federal Register Docket ID for your petition for exemption
	A registration number — all aircraft must be registered with FAA to be issued a COA. See Register a New sUA or other Unmanned Aircraft under Part 47.
	The same petitioner name/company name that the exemption was issued to.Note: FAA will issue a "blanket" COA for flights at or below 400 feet in class G airspace to all UAS operators with a Section 44807 exemption as appropriate. View a copy of this "blanket" COA (PDF), including operating conditions and limitations.

Questions About Petition for Exemption and COA

The Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems will expire September 30, 2023. For more information or questions about petition for exemption and COA application process contact the UAS Support Center.

Certification

You may also be interested in a certification, which is how FAA manages risk through safety assurance. It provides FAA confidence that a proposed product or operation will meet FAA safety expectations to protect the public. Certification affirms that FAA requirements have been met.

Learn more about certifications:

Type Certification
	Production Certification
	Airworthiness Certification
      
        

          Last updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 U.S. Department of Transportation

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